After a year in the dorms, a house or the quads, some students look for a change in scenery or a more spacious living environment. Many students find what they’re looking for in complexes like the University Commons, Duck’s Village, Chase Village and McKenna Estates.
These places fulfill the “niche” for newer student housing in Eugene, Duck’s Village Leasing Agent Cathy Engebretson said.
“The places near campus seemed small with little windows,” junior Liz Rice, a University Commons tenant, said. “These are big and bright.” Rice said the complex is the best deal for her money.
Sophomore Jamie Ackerman agreed, saying the amenities made the apartments an even better deal.
“I looked for a furnished apartment and couldn’t find one anywhere else,” Ackerman said.
Furnished apartments are a major draw for Duck’s Village and University Commons.
“Off-campus housing offers more amenities as far as pools, hot tubs and free tanning,” Chase Village Leasing Manager John Sanford said. These complexes boast pools, computer labs, workout facilities and free parking. However, these options vary by
complex. Students would be wise to check with current residents and the management about the availability, variety and upkeep of the advertised amenities.
And, for some residents, something can be said for living away from the University.
“It’s nice to be able to get off campus,” Ackerman said. “Last year I felt like I was trapped on campus.”
Rice agreed. She said living across the river puts a nice separation between school and social life.
While some things about the location are good, residents warned about a few drawbacks.
The distance from classes and on-campus housing is by far the biggest complaint .
“It’s hard to get home after dark,” Ackerman said. “And friends don’t want to come over here because it is too far.”
In addition, many residents have to stay on campus all day for classes and breaks.
“You just can’t go home in between classes to grab a book,” Rice said.
Rice and Ackerman also mentioned the noise level and party scene at these complexes, although neither was too bothered by it. Ackerman said she found her complex to be quieter than she’d expected. While Rice said there are a lot of parties, her location at the back of the complex allows her to shut her door if she needs to take a break from the party scene.
The management at these complexes seek to improve on these criticisms and continue doing the things that have garnered them praise.
“We try to offer a pleasant, clean and well-kept environment along with the best customer service,” Engebretson said.
Duck’s Village provides maintenance, on-call managers and clubhouse events.
“They are constantly doing upkeep on the hot tub, the pools and the lawns,” Ackerman said.
Most complexes do requested maintenance repairs on a daily basis, and most are successfully completed within a 24-hour period.
Rice didn’t have quite the same experience with the management. She said she faced untimely maintenance repairs and was also bothered that the management didn’t provide complex recycling.