The University Of Denver off campus housing cost has been seeing an increase as rent rates have risen over the past five years, but students have no choice but to pay these expensive monthly rates, as the desire to live in close proximity to campus outweighs the cost of rent.
In the past, Denver housing has seen a .1% increase in cost. However, this past year the cost of rent has increased by 2.5%. Average housing cost for a two bedroom apartment in the Denver area is approximately $1,340. At the University of Denver, most students live in either a house or an apartment off campus.
In an interview with Katherine Kieley, a junior at DU, explained that, “Although the cost of housing is expensive, I still am going to pay for it because the proximity to school and my social life is important.” She lives in a home four blocks from Sturm in a two-bedroom home with one other roommate.
Kieley, along with many other students, live with other people in order to reduce costs of expensive housing. She said that without a roommate she would be unable to afford the price of living in her house.
Another student, Daniela Ogren, shares a one-bedroom apartment with another student in order to reduce costs. Ogren said that “The price is expensive considering I share a room, but I am paying to live close to campus and the amenities of the apartment.”
Ogren utilizes the rooftop pool and biweekly garbage collection service that is included in her rent check. With a view of the university’s business school and mountain backdrop, she feels that she is getting her money’s worth in her monthly cost.
One of the biggest incentives for apartment living is features like a gym, pool, and the safety component of it, said Conrad Thompson. Thompson is a junior at the University of Denver who lives in an apartment complex called Modera. Thompson lives in a three-bedroom apartment with two friends as his roommates.
Although $1,000 dollars a month may seem pricey for a college student, it is actually cheaper to live offcampus rather than in housing provided by the university.
At DU, there are several apartment complexes to select for off campus housing, which is one of the benefits of attending a university in a city. However, one of the downfalls is expensive city living costs. Despite the hefty monthly rent check, students are willing to shell out thousands of dollars a month for their housing.
Thompson said that, “Although I am paying a ton for my housing, I wanted to be a short walk from most of my classes because it saves me time and is more convenient,” Thompson noted.
Additionally, he wanted to live close to his friends, many of whom live in the same building.
In an interview with Abigail Martin, a sophomore at DU, she decided to live on campus rather than apply for off-campus housing approval. Martin said, “It was easier to just live on campus this year, mostly because it saves me money on things like utilities.”
At public universities, an average of 40% of students live on-campus. However, at private institutions like DU, 64% of students live on-campus.
Many college students in America decide to live on-campus because although cost of actual rent may be cheaper, the cost of things like the internet and electricity add up. Also, on campus housing typically comes furnished.
While the cost may be high, University of Denver students are willing to sign the rent checks in order to live close to campus, despite the pros that often come with living in a dormitory.
The MFJS Reporter -- Winter 2020 M-W 