Slippery Rock University students have the opportunity to live in apartment complexes that cater to the needs of residents, as leasing for the 2012-13 school year has recently begun.
Off-campus housing is popular for upperclassmen because they want the freedoms that on-campus living cannot provide.
Students most often look to the University Village at Slippery Rock (UVSR), the Heights, South Rock and Stone Crest to fulfill these needs, as well as maintaining an active social life.
Brandi Keech, a leasing consultant for the University Village at Slippery Rock, formerly known as the Ivy, is sure that UVSR meets all needs of students living off-campus.
"We have more amenities than other apartment complexes and we try to create a fun, open environment with personable staff members that you can see on campus all of the time," Keech said.
University Village at Slippery Rock has recently added a basketball court and a hot tub to a long list of amenities that already includes a fitness center and free tanning.
Rates for 2012-13 leasing are in the $500-$600 range.
Representatives from UVSR can be found on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Student Union on campus, passing out promotional items and giving out prizes to current and new leasees.
Kirsten Ulm, an intern for the apartment company, is one member of the staff that can be seen advertising on campus.
"Our office gives promotional items such as cups, shot glasses, mugs and pizza as a way to attract students to live here," Ulm said. "We never see other apartment complex representatives on campus."
One resident of the UVSR who is very happy with his new living arangement is Mike Kapler, a 20-year-old business major.
"I absolutely love it here," Kapler said. "I love not having to worry about utilities, the bus is a great help, and they have so many different extras that other places just don't offer."
Kapler said that he used to live at South Rock apartments, but enjoys his place at the UVSR much better.
The Heights is also a top pick for students looking for freedom and luxury in a college setting.
Advertisements for this apartment can be found throughout town, ranging from in the ARC to local restaurants.
Connie Hamilton, the administrative assistant at the Heights, believes that a current promotion can attract students into future leases.
"Each resident can receive $100 before Christmas break if he or she makes all rent payments before they leave in December," Hamilton said.
Mike Melko, a 23-year-old marketing major, is very comfortable in his apartment at the Heights and enjoys the off-campus lifestyle that this complex provides.
Melko, a two-year resident, suggests that the spaciousness and friendly environment is a reason why many students choose this apartment complex over others.
"I like having four and a half bathrooms and a three-story apartment, so that each person has their own privacy," Melko said. "The party environment and social aspect also make it a really great place to live."
The Heights' rental rate for next year is $530 per person.
South Rock Apartments and Stone Crest are both operated out of the South Rock office across from campus.
These rates range from $391 to $599, with Stone Crest ranking at the top of the price range. The company owns three different complexes throughout Slippery Rock.
Like UVSR and the Heights, South Rock is currently leasing apartments and is having early showings to students, as well.
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