???Choosing the best place to live during the infamous college years can be a complex and pricey decision. After putting in time at the big houses on campus, many students look for a little distance and luxury beyond the university grounds.
Convenience:
???While on-campus UB apartments are within walking distance of students' next class, the University Village at Sweethome and the Villas at Chestnut Ridge are only a two minute drive away.
???Both residencies offer on-site parking for students with their own vehicles and shuttle services to campus for everyone else.
???According to David Weaver, complex area manager, the Villas and Sweethome have their very own private shuttle service to take students to campus.
???"With the Villas and Sweethome only 1.5 miles away from campus, two shuttles run directly to campus every 15 minutes," Weaver said.???
With everything from computer labs to weight rooms, the only reason to leave these apartments would be to buy food or go to class. Residents at one complex can even use the community centers at their sister location.
???"I like that I have three floors and access to both community centers," said Jamie Chappius, a sophomore social sciences interdisciplinary major. "I can go use the pool at Sweethome and pretty much anything else."
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Amenities:
???Everything a college student could want can be found at both Sweethome and the Villas.
???According to Weaver, each unit is designed with private bedrooms, private bathrooms, furniture, full kitchens and laundry units.
???Private bedrooms and bathrooms were a major selling point for Thomas Vatalaro, a senior history major.
???"In the dorms it was different because there was no privacy," Vatalaro said. "Here you can put a door between you and your roommates and be alone."
???When the weather outside isn't so frightful, Sweethome and the Villas have spas, sundecks, outdoor fireplaces and tanning beds.
???According to Weaver, both complexes are continually improving, with Sweethome upgrading the business center by adding new computers and a coffee bar.
'The properties' amenities are unmatched, featuring an indoor gymnasium with full court basketball and a 3,400-square-foot fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio and fitness machines," Weaver said.
???Both complexes offer game rooms that include billiards, ping-pong and foosball tables, and video game consoles accompanied by big screen televisions.
???According to Vatalaro, the amenities at Sweethome are some of the best around, with the gym, pool tables and outdoor swimming pool being the highlights.
???"The gym is by far the best thing," Chappius said. "Everything in the gym is brand new and so organized."
Cost:
???Price is normally the first thing on students' minds when they think about monthly rent; however, it is important to consider what exactly is included in the final package.
???Most other apartments will cost far less than Sweethome or the Villas, but they aren't nearly as luxurious.
???Monthly rent for these facilities ranges from $629 to $899 per student based upon occupancy, according to the University Village Web site. Single room apartments are the most expensive, while those shared by two or four students are far cheaper.
???Students can even file an application without any pre-selected roommates, and since neither complex is affiliated with UB, even freshmen can apply.
???Even though prices are a little steep in today's market, it's important to remember that each apartment is furnished and comes equipped with everything except food and clothes. High speed Internet, cable television and telephone are all included in the standard monthly rates.
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Safety:
???If living in the middle of the suburbs isn't enough of a reassurance for residents' safety, there is also controlled building access at both Sweethome and the Villas.
???"Our properties offer state-of-the-art fire protection systems in each unit," Weaver said. "This includes monitored smoke and heat detectors and a sprinkler system."
???According to the Villas' Web site, both complexes offer on-site community assistants and management and maintenance staffs. Off-duty Amherst police also serve as security during patrolling hours.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
