During years 1 and 2 I lived at 3000 Grand Apartments right by campus. They are a little spendy, but they are nice. Plus the vast majority of people that live there are either medical students or retired individuals so it is always quiet. Windsor Terrace is also close to school. Not quite as nice, but more affordable. There are many nice complexes in West Des Moines, however, you would be looking at a 15-20 minute drive everyday (25-30 in the winters if it gets icy). Personally, I loved being able to roll out of bed 10 minutes before a test, walk to school, finish the test, and be back in bed immediately.