The University's recent purchase of the 2000 Commonwealth Ave. apartments also has some students worrying space will be more limited than ever, as the popular apartment complex usually houses as many as 200 off-campus BC students. But Humphreys doubts the impact will be anything for current apartment hunters to be concerned about.
"Because we don't know what Commonwealth 2000 will be used for, I don't think it will put a huge dent in the availability of apartments," Humphreys said. Depending on when construction is done on the property, it is likely the structure will make it possible for more students to live on-campus, therefore reducing the number of prospective renters in the first place.
John Murtagh, A&S '09 and director of the newly formed Off-Campus Council (OCC) under the auspices of Office of the Dean for Student Development (ODSD), went through the great apartment hunt last year. And while he offered similar advice for students to not race through an agreement, he also said for many students, the best thing to do is speak to someone they know with a legal background.
"My mom and dad are both lawyers, so looking at a lease wasn't a big deal for me," Murtagh said. "But students need to make sure they're looking out for their own best interests. Talk to people you know with legal backgrounds - and ask upperclassmen about their experiences."
Murtagh said with the right amount of research and a solid knowledge of what you need in an off-campus living arrangement, there isn't any reason students should struggle to find a place to live.
"Take it slow. Make sure you know what's out there and what's a good deal, and you should have no trouble getting into a place you love," Murtagh said.
Spring Break
