The only explanation I see for this is that there is some sort of underground Capone-esque mob system that is connecting people with places to live.
A subtle wave of a red scarf signaling a studio on 435 Gayley or a wink and a cough in the direction of Kelton and all is accomplished.
Far from accomplishing anything, the harsh reality is you have probably already committed yourself one way or the other: The much-touted Jan. 31 deadline has passed and with it, the last opportunity to sign up for on-campus housing, and now you’re left out on the streets searching for a roof and four walls.
But anyone who has been apartment hunting around Westwood can attest that it is no picnic.
The problem is that the apartment search needs to be Eli Whitney-ed, a.k.a. standardized, because it is eye-popping, nerve-throbbing frustrating. This is not Westwood we are dealing with, it is a labyrinth peppered with waiting lists, angry (or absent) managers and those complicated dialing systems outside iron gates.
Student housing should not be so complicated ““ we are a pretty tight-knit community, but we can’t even get ourselves homes.
An obvious thing for the student government to do is set up another tour guide program. Here, it would be student experts on Westwood housing who are guiding Bruins through this process.
Or, since manpower is expensive, USAC can set up a clean database of all the apartments around this area with contact information, the latest prices and even pictures.
In September 2006, USAC President Marwa Kaisey spoke of creating an Off-Campus Residence Association “to promote more representation of students,” but we haven’t seen it yet.
“There is still interest in creating it but (we) are working on creating the Neighborhood Council now,” Kaisey said.
She said apartment hunting “is a huge concern for students” and the OCRA “is a detail that is in the future.”
Kristal Akhavan, a third-year communication studies student, is planning to live off campus next year but hasn’t taken any steps toward it.
“I don’t really even know how to begin looking for apartments. It’s just way too complicated,” she said, perceptibly harried by the task.
As my friends sign lease contracts and pick out wallpaper, it has dawned on me that I should start looking.
At 3 p.m. Wednesday, I thought it would have been safe to assume I would find managers at their posts. But nearly all was locked and barred.
Most of the apartments on Kelton were that way, but Veteran was better. If you want to talk to a manager who cares, your best bet is 424 Veteran Ave. or The Kelton Towers.
Anywhere else, phone numbers glare almost forbiddingly from buildings daring you to call and be rejected. Worse than the numbers are the sullen managers whose moods are forever past their expiration dates.
Classic example: An apartment building on Strathmore and Landfair ““ it seems like a nice place and is reasonably priced, but I was actually scared that the snarky manager would fine me for taking up his time.
However, there are quite a few lucky ones who don’t have to hunt for shelter, and first-year undeclared student Meryl Lua is one of them.
“I never had to really look for an apartment,” she said. “My friend’s sister was moving out, and we are just taking over her place. It is a lot easier if you already know someone.”
Peeping in through those locked doors and trying to get around the gates, what I finally learned was I needed to talk to the students.
In pretty much every building I visited, the students were helpful and gave me information about rent, floor plans and leasing procedure.
You don’t really think classic Good Samaritan when thinking of a college student, but that is the vibe I got.
Having been in your shoes, most Bruins will stop and answer your questions, and some are even willing to show their apartments off to help you get a good idea of the building.
Avoiding the fight to pick a place for all your stuff is not easy.
Searching for viable housing around Westwood is a little like being that harangued fairy in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: “Over hill over dale, through flood and through fire, over park over pale, through hill and through briar, I do wander everywhere.”
E-mail Joshi at rjoshi@media.ucla.edu if you plan on vacating a two-bedroom apartment in time for next year. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.