Campus View

Campus View

by Zach Toombs

• Note: Tiger Diggs is a section of the Campus View Apartments complex operated by the Department of Residential Life as part of extended campus. This review applies to both Campus View Apartments and Tiger Diggs.

For groups of four, the Campus View Apartments Complex is perhaps students' most cost-efficient option in finding an off-campus apartment in a student atmosphere. Although the units aren't top of the line or even quite as nice as what you'll find at Campus Lodge or The Reserve (two similar complexes), your relatively low rent and ample space will leave you with little to complain about.

With only two different floor plans and rates, Campus View keeps it pretty simple: $320/month per person for 4 bedrooms/2 bath, and $500/month for 2 bedrooms/1 bath. And that includes Internet (no wi-fi though) and cable through Mediacom. Plus, it's fully furnished (along with a 37" flat screen television in each unit). As mentioned earlier, the 4-bedroom rate is just about the best you'll find for what its worth. However, a pair of students on the hunt for an apartment is probably better off searching elsewhere. The Reserve offers a 2-bedroom/2-bath with a bit more substance (and style) for $495.

Campus View's pool is open to all residents and is kept clean, though its fairly basic, and the complex's gameroom area features foosball and other favorites. A sand volleyball court, basketball court and tennis court are at the far end of the complex. But - excercise-junkies be warned - the complex doesn't offer much in the way of a weight room, aside from a couple treadmills.

Location-wise, you probably couldn't find a better balance between proximity to campus and proximity to a decent selection of grocery stores and restaurants (though we're mostly talking about fast food joints here). Campus View is located on Providence Road, just a short jaunt from Nifong, which means Hy-vee, Walmart, McDonalds, Sonic, KFC and Panera Bread are not far. And campus is just about a one-mile trip away. However, I should point out that life at Campus View without a vehicle can be frustrating. A shuttle that runs to and from campus every 30 minutes (on the :10 and :40) is the only way off the complex for car-less residents on weekdays. On weekends, a shuttle runs to campus once an hour. Tiger Diggs residents are provided with a bus pass as part of their contract with Residential Life, but Campus View residents are left to purchase their own.

Overall, Campus View offers a cost-efficient housing option in a student-friendly environment - a solid choice for first-time leasers or students just looking for a simple housing arrangement.