I would say to start looking as soon as you can. Many of the places on the list fill up quickly. I live at Heritage Apartments and love it. I live alone. If you would like more information about Heritage or anything else, feel free to message me.
Pros:
Quiet
Close to school (2 miles, but doesn't feel like you're right on campus and is outside of the crazy football zone, which you'll appreciate in the fall when you can still get out and go to the store or somewhere else on game day).
Cheap compared to the other recommended areas on the list (my total cost of living including having a dog, cable, internet, everything but food is $750 a month). Gas, electric, cable, and internet are all included so you just pay rent plus the water bill, so it's nice to only have to worry about 2 bills each month).
Safe area
Nice gym, although small, plus free tanning if you are into that.
new appliances (pretty sure all the apartments that they are renting out are getting updated before people move in, which is awesome because you literally get brand new everything, counters, hardwood floor, and appliances. I'd ask if you'll be getting an updated apartment or not, when you call, though.
It's affordable to live alone if you can handle the smaller space
Cons:
Small space (360 square feet), but as long as you have a calm dog or a cat (they are pet friendly) that doesn't need a lot of space, it's definitely doable.
Only 2 washers and dryers per building (was an issue for the first time yesterday when one of our washers was broken and the other wouldn't accept money, but the buildings aren't too far apart and the neighboring building's washers were both working and open).
Does not apply to me, but several of my friends in 1 and 2 bedrooms have had serious noise issues. If you're looking for a studio it's great because all the studios are in the same building and max occupancy is 1 so it's really quiet since everyone is alone. My big also lives at Heritage and loves it and is in a 1 bedroom, so not all the larger spaces are loud, but I'd say don't get into the long buildings with 2 floors and like 20-30 apartments. Go for the ones that have 4 apartments per building if you want a larger apartment.
If you're looking for a studio I'd highly recommend it.