UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

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Techies Grab the Best Davis Housing

Posted on March 4, 2005

It's officially hunting season-apartment hunting, that is. The rush is on and you have a choice: be the vulnerable little rabbit chased around by the wolves we call property managers, or be the cunning fox who outsmarts them. They're quick and vicious, but you, my friend, have technology on your side.

Staying on Campus
First things first-drop by the Student Housing Web site (housing.ucdavis.edu) for a general overview of the different campus housing options, of which there are many; for example, did you know UC Davis offers three privately-managed on-campus apartment complexes as well as two that are university-operated? The Atriums, The Colleges, Primero Grove, and the Parks can be your next step after dorm life. From the Web site you can find links to the managing companies' sites with floor plans, apartment locations, important deadlines and application information.
But you might be thinking you need something a little more exciting than an apartment. Well, you're in luck. The Student Housing Web site also features alternative living options. Simply hop on the site and learn how you can sleep in a big dome, a co-op, or move into a fraternity or sorority house.

Living Off Campus
So, you have decided to make the big jump to the wild world of private property managers. Finding affordable housing, avoiding unscrupulous landlords, and making sure you find a cozy place you'll love coming home to can be a real challenge. Given that you're a cunning fox, you will be ahead of the game by having familiarized yourself with the following resources:

Community Housing Listing (chl.ucdavis.edu)
Managed by ASUCD, this Web site maintains a database of off-campus classified ads posted by students looking for roommates and by landlords with available rooms. Browse the listings free on the Internet. Whether you are looking for a roommate, want to rent an apartment, or have the urge to move into a house, you will find ads focused on your needs.

Apartment Ratings (apartmentratings.com)
This Web site will give you the real scoop on an apartment complex. Sure, management claims to offer free T1 Internet, but does it disconnect you every five minutes and run slower than a traffic jam? Will maintenance fix that clogged sink? Are the walls so thin you'll never escape your neighbor's affinity for ear-piercing death metal? Will the management try to swindle you out of your security deposit? The cunning fox will dig for the truth! Just type the city, state, and complex name on the front page, and you can read honest reviews from past tenants.

Craig's List Sacramento (sacramento.craigslist.org/)
One look at this Web site and you'll be wondering where it's been all your life. On any given day there are nearly 5,500 listings by people in the Sacramento area (including Davis) offering or looking for housing. There are even distinct categories for sublets, housing swaps, and temporary living arrangements. Viewing the database and posting new ads is completely free, and you even have the option to remain anonymous with other posters until you decide to meet them.

So, cunning fox, now is the time to use your technological genius to score the perfect place. Friends around the city will wonder how you got through this stressful situation with such ease and style. Tell them they've been outfoxed once again.

This column is provided to you by the student writers of Information and Educational Technology. For questions and comments, please contact ietpubsjr@ucdavis.edu.

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