With last Monday's announcement that the rents of on-campus apartments will again be increased, many residents and potential applicants are considering other housing options for the coming year.
Although the increase was a hot topic around campus immediately following the list-serv announcement, many students voiced their opinion after Shereene McDermott, a junior health and human services major, responded to the e-mail and sent a heated response to the entire listserv. McDermott said she received over 50 responses from students who agree with her since sending the e-mail.
Among her concerns were problems with heating and inconsistencies in the amenities offered in the various complexes.
"We cannot turn the heat on in our apartment at all," McDermott stated in her e-mail. "Also, Hadley (Village) has basketball courts, and both Hadley and Southlake (Village) have numerous barbecue grills, etc., while Flint has none of those things. We have one barbecue grill that is heavily in demand and as soon as the summer was over, we were told that we couldn't use it, even though it was still warm outside."
She also said that the apartments are like "dollhouses," with their "paper thin walls" and "lego-like, fragile furniture."
Kathleen Kittleson, a junior pharmacy major, has heard similar complaints from friends.
"Several of my friends said that the apartments are in need of work," Kittleson said. "If the apartments are in need of work now, how is a raise in the current rates going to offset these costs? Tuition and the cost of living are already expensive enough without this increase, especially in light of the proposed 41percent tuition increase to SUNY schools."
Joseph Krakowiak, director of University Residence Halls and Apartments, cited the economy as the main reason for the rise in the current rates.
"There has been a 3 to 4 percent increase in the cost of products associated with the apartments," Krakowiak said. "Since 9/11, insurance and liability costs have tripled, thus these costs need to be offset."
Krakowiak also attributed the increase to the rising costs of utilities. He said since there are many options available to them, students should take advantage of everything available and weigh all options.
"If someone's not here, how can they possibly take advantage of what there is to offer?" he said. "Students will live where they want to live, and they have many options to choose from."
Andrew Hyzy (cq), a junior English major, said he is in the process of planning his living arrangement for next year and has considered all options.
"I thought about applying for the campus apartments but declined because of the expense," he said. "I don't understand why anyone would incur the cost of living in the apartments when the residence halls seem to be much more cost-effective."
Vice President for Student Affairs Dennis Black, however, agrees with Krakowiak.
"Students have many housing choices both on and off campus," Black said. "They make their choices based on location, affordability and accessibility.
As for the affects on the quality of life of the students, Black said that services would be reduced if the rates were not adjusted, thus affecting the quality of life for on-campus apartment residents.
"Increases being projected are based on inflation," Black said. "I think that inflationary increases should be planned for every year. By passing along increased costs as they are incurred, we avoid large unexpected increases, which could create more problems for those affected."
Michelle Balsan,a senior communication major, said the apartments are a worthwhile investment.
"Even though the rates are on the rise again, I would definitely stay," Balsan said. "The apartments have definitely been a convenience for me, but I just wish that they would have given us proper justification in the list-serv e-mail as to why the rates are about to be raised for a third consecutive year. We just want to know why."
Black also pointed out that Student Unions and Activities runs a series of events for students moving off campus each year.
Many students, though, are quick to disagree.
"I have never heard of such events going on here on campus," said Divina Paul, a senior communication major. "I do know that the current rates are outrageous enough without the increase, and I wouldn't blame students for moving out of the campus apartments and off campus, even though the campus apartments are much more conveniently located."
Despite the concerns over whether students can still afford the cost of living in the apartments at UB, in addition to their tuition, the rates will still go into effect for the 2003-04 school year.
