As fall quarter comes to a close, many UCLA students are looking ahead to next year’s housing situation.
For students who are moving out of the dorms, this task can be daunting, as there are many factors to be considered when looking for an apartment.
Apartment information for fall 2009 will be released in early March and units will continue to be advertised until they are filled, said Peter James, resident property manager for 641 Gayley Ave.
The 31 units at this location house a mixture of graduate and undergraduate students. As a whole, UCLA students make up 95 percent of the residents, making the environment more student-friendly, James said.
In the meantime, students have begun to sift through their options in order to decide what they want in an apartment.
Several factors that play a role in the decision-making process are proximity to campus, general appearance of the apartment and the price of the unit, according to several students.
“I’m looking for general cleanliness and reliability,” said third-year communication studies student Benjamin Yu. “I would also really prefer one that was occupied by other college students, because it’s easier to connect to other people in the same position that you are.”
Much like Yu’s criteria, the units in James’ complex include a laundry room on site and trash chutes on each level.
While living in the dorms, many students become accustomed to using utilities without worry or fear of paying bills.
This luxury ends once one moves into an apartment, unless utilities are included in the price of rent. Naturally, this is a bonus in the hunt for the perfect unit.
“I want some place with included utilities, because I use a lot of electricity,” said third-year business economics student Jason Chen. “I just … want a fixed cost every month, like in the dorms.”
The type of neighborhood in which the complex is located is another area of concern for several students.
“I don’t want an apartment in a neighborhood that’s too loud or has a lot of parties,” said Brian Bauman, a third-year classical civilization student.
Other apartments, such as those on 641 Gayley Ave, include parking for most units, as well as air-conditioning. Some units also have mock fireplaces and trash chutes located at each level.
Some students such as fourth-year art student Elliott Kaplan considered household cleaning as a major factor.
“I looked for wood floors when I was looking for an apartment,” Kaplan said. “They’re easier to clean.”
Kaplan also cited the importance of appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers.
“Dishwashers are great and they’re good for the environment, but my apartment doesn’t have one,” Kaplan said.
The recent emphasis on the environment has also translated into decision factors for apartment seekers who are forced to fund a recycling location that is farther away.
“I didn’t like that (my apartment) didn’t have recycling,” Kaplan said.