Ledger

Issue date: 5/22/08 Section: Campus News

The living room of an apartment at Court 17.

The lack of housing at University of Washington Tacoma remains a concern for many students, despite the development of nearby apartments. The Court 17 apartments on Market Street were a good start for those who could afford them, but the rental prices are still too high for most students on tight budgets.

Starting in the fall, however, students will have the option to move to Court 17 and pay a much lower rent. The catch? They have to live with at least one roommate, and only single students will benefit from the deal.

he new arrangement, which involves a maximum rental price of $780 per month, is not quite an apartment and not quite a dorm.

"Dorms wouldn't have full kitchens, washers and dryers," UWT Student Affairs Specialist Julie Draper said. "We don't have meal plans. It's sort of a merge between a residence hall and an apartment experience."

As of now, students must live with at least one roommate in the new arrangement. The offer might extend to single students in the future, but right now the apartment doesn't have enough spaces.

First dibs won't necessarily go to freshmen, either. Although the new rental rates at Court 17 are part of an attempt to get more students living near campus, the offer is open to all students.

Pairing people up with roommates not only helps cut the cost of living, it also encourages more interaction between peers.

"A lot of students have expressed an interest to meet new people," Draper said.

The deadline for applying to live at the official UWT apartments is June 13, but the date specifically applies to priority applications. According to Draper, they may offer a rolling admission as well.

Student Affairs sent postcards about the new housing option to all incoming students, and they will also try to host open houses at Court 17.

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