Grad Student Housing: Insider Tips from an MSDS Ambassador
As a master's in data science residential student at the University of Virginia, I've encountered many exciting challenges and opportunities, but one of the most daunting tasks I faced was finding the right place to live around UVA's picturesque Grounds.
While house-hunting is a challenge for many students, being an out-of-state student presented a unique set of obstacles. To help future students (and others moving here), I'll share my personal experience and provide insights into the challenges I faced while searching for a place to live in Charlottesville.
Coming from out of state (Memphis, Tennessee), I was eager to secure housing close to UVA. However, my limited familiarity with the area, combined with the distance from my hometown, posed significant challenges. The two main obstacles I encountered were:
Lack of Local Knowledge
When you're new to a city, you lack the local knowledge that residents have. This includes awareness of different neighborhoods, their pros and cons, and which areas are more student-friendly. Without this knowledge, I felt somewhat lost in the sea of options.
Remote House-Hunting
The physical distance from my home city meant that visiting properties in person was nearly impossible given the added time constraint. In-person viewings are crucial for assessing factors like safety, the quality of the neighborhood, and the condition of the property. I found myself relying entirely on online listings and reviews, which, while helpful, can't replace a firsthand visit.
Fortunately – through conversations with several Student Ambassadors, copious amounts of Googling, and the advice found on Facebook housing groups – I was able to secure a stellar apartment near classes with as reasonable a price as one can hope for in Charlottesville.
Now, to help make the transition as smooth as possible for future members of UVA’s School of Data Science family, I put together a video with all my best suggestions!
In addition to the video, I'm also adding a few insights and tips I gained during my housing search:
Start Early
Begin your search well in advance to secure the best options. Housing near UVA can be competitive, and early planning can give you an advantage!
Join Student Groups
UVA has lots of student groups and forums where you can seek advice, connect with potential roommates, and gather insights from students who have been through the housing search process!
Consider Your Priorities
Think about what's most important to you in a living space. Whether it's proximity to campus, cost, or specific amenities, having a clear list of priorities will help you make decisions!
Consider Commute
Assess the commute from your prospective housing to Grounds. Proximity to shuttle stops or public transportation can be a game-changer!
Connect with UVA Resources
Don't hesitate to reach out to UVA's Housing & Residence Life or the Off-Grounds Housing Office. They are there to assist students and can provide answers to your housing questions!
Be Prepared
When you do find a place you like, be ready to act quickly. Housing near UVA is in high demand, so securing it promptly is essential.
While finding off-Grounds housing around UVA can be challenging, I hope that my video, combined with the tips above, can make the process much more manageable. Remember that you're not alone in this journey, and the UVA community is here to support you as you embark on your academic adventure in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia!
