Hey Guys,
I would have to agree that Phase I of the Woodlands is gross. I know people who lived there and I didn't like it. However, I do live in Phase II and I love it! It's newer, cleaner, brighter, has a garbage disposable, looks homeyier (i know that's not even a word!) and doesn't smell. I particularly love my apt, as I live on the 3rd floor, so I have vaulted ceilings and a fireplace (gas operated). Personally my apt did look like the one in the pictures on the website. So, keep that in mind if you want to live in the Woodlands, I'd request for an apt in Buildings 3505, 3506, or 3507. If they say they'll give you an apt in one of those buildings you better make sure it's stated in the lease contract. That way if they don't give you the apt you want, the contract would not be valid i guess? I know someone who was promised a certain apt. last year, but Woodlands gave them a different one. I'm not sure is she ever complained or got compensated for it. Oh yeah, the manager is a biatch and I personally think the office helpers are rude. I'm still hoping the school goes through with the plan to buy the school over. They had appraisers and inspectors out here a few months ago, and also installed additional smoke detectors in all bedrooms. The rent is pretty cheap for continuing residents, my apt is $1062 (2 br, 2ba... i paid $531) if I resign my lease by this Weds. I haven't received my acceptance letter yet, but going to take the gamble since I did make the GPA cutoff. If I wanted to wait for my letter and resign the lease by June 30, the rent would be $1094. I think they are going to tell you rent is normally $1200+ and will give you a $100 discount to get you to sign the lease. If you guys know anyone who's planning to leave and don't mind not getting fresh paint and putting out some money to wash the carpets, find someone's apt to take over the lease. Hey, for some odd reason I don't get accepted, anyone want to take over my lease? 😕
The dorms are nice, with ELEVATORS (great for moving!). It's huge and clean, but not very homey like, and the kitchen is tiny for the one brs. I wouldn't be able to do the dorms since I love to cook and bake, thus I need a big kitchen. The drawback is closet parking space is not very close at all and some rooms don't get a lot of natural sunlight. The walking distance between Woodlands and school vs. dorms and school is practically the same.
The other apt complex I'd suggest is Northern Crossing. The apts are nice and a little bit more expensive. One thing I love about it is the huge dining area and washer and dryer included in the unit! Units on the 2nd floor comes with a fireplace as well. Dont' let the "gated" complex fool you. It's not an iron gate as I had imagined. It's some puny cross bar gate that can be manually lifted. The drawback is the driving during snowdays. You have to give yourself more time to defrost the car and brush off the snow. Also a friend of mine told me the rent will not include water anymore, so they will be charged per unit of water they use in addition to the rent.
Highland park is pretty far from North Chicago ( a good 20 mins at least!).
That being said I too will be needing a roommate next year, but I'll post something on the school's messageboards after I resign my lease and etc. Sorry guys i'm Female and would be looking for a female roommate.
elcapeetan--if you are reading this, did you ever get my PM response? I sent one the two days ago, but SDN has not record of me sending anything.
