I just keep telling myself this. We are all working with an incomplete puzzle. I mean, the perceived delay could be on so many fronts.
Trying new, more efficient process?
Perhaps hang-ups with systems with Blinn for some reason?
Perhaps internal metrics showing availability that have to drop below a certain number before they “release the options.” To extend that one, if the bucket is somehow too full, perhaps they have to go in and “sub-bucket” the buckets and not everyone who chose Team only get in?
How about a “people griped last year because we released options before the deadline we set to even choose, and that caused grief, so we’re just waiting until the March 1 deadline?”
I’m 100% sure they know what they’re doing and have a good reason for the difference in behavior so far…but there can’t be THAT many other reasons why it would be holding out…
I would like for her to live in an apartment that is close to campus- where she can walk to classes. I keep hearing about Park West. Is it close to campus like the apartments in Northgate?
It’s not close to Northgate. You definitely have to take a bus to campus…they have at least 4 bus stops on the property. The amenities are great but farther from main campus than my daughter wanted.
Park West is across the street from campus, but I wouldn’t say it would be a quick walk. There is a railroad crossing too, which can dramatically affect travel time (even on the bus) if there is a train coming through. My daughter lived at Calloway House - which is a little closer to campus than PW, but she would allow herself about 30-40 min on the bus to get to campus b/c of traffic and the train. Walking from Calloway took about 20 min to get to class, so I’d say 30 min to walk to class from PW.
Aspire apartment complex on northside is very, very secure (cant get in parking garage w/o card, cant get in complex/door w/o card, etc) but It comes with a price. DS has lived there three years and it has been great. Also had great experience with the Standard, heard great things about the Stack, and plans to live at Ucentre next year. So, so many choices northside and many are just minutes from campus. Check out google maps to see proximity
Park west is near Reed arena and baseball field but pushed back. Most student will walk to Kyle field for a game but not to class. It’s west campus ish. It does have a bougie dorm feel when walking down the hallway. The set up is like white creek apartments however the amenities are amazing and furniture much better.
Once kids are on campus, they typically stay on campus. It’s not a big deal. Truly. Most
Kids live off campus far removed from campus. Tons of student housing. Tons of shuttles all over the place. I get the whole freshman experience (both my kids did it) and I believe in it, when it’s available. But I have also realized it’s not the same as when we were in school. Sadly. No one leaves their doors open to the hall. There’s no community feel etc.
My daughter is a freshman at Oklahoma State and lives in the dorm. I lived in the dorm for three years at A&M because I didn’t have a car at the time. I met my closest friends there in the dorm and still keep in touch with many of them to this day. I am bummed that my daughter and college students these days don’t have the same experiences. So many shenanigans and fun experiences in the dorm! She hasn’t really gotten to know anyone through her dorm.
I can’t get over the thought that a freshman living outside the dorms will have a “True” college experience. Living in an apartment away from campus cafeterias and without a meal plan doesn’t feel right for an incoming freshman. Also, I would think apartments could feel isolating, and there are missed opportunities for freshman to bond, and mix with other peers that otherwise wouldn’t cross paths. I’m like the rest of you with having feeling of frustration and annoyance with this process. Venting a bit.
It’s reassuring knowing we have a great back up plan in play, and we are headed to Baton Rouge this weekend for the “Eye of the Tiger” orientation. Housing deposit is already paid and we are feeling an ease knowing she would have that opportunity to experience.
If she gets accepted to TEAM…… I’m sure we’ll be frantically looking for feasible housing.
We are just eager to know which direction of the compass we are headed, and ready to celebrate all the hard work she has accomplished.
LSU is also our plan B. We love it there too! Since the wait has taken a while we may tour UArk during spring break. They have been plan C but we recently learned some good things about their program for her major. Unfortunately the trip will be somewhat costly. If we get a response soon we may not need to make the trip. We would still enjoy it but I would rather drive an hour to cstat for apartment tours!
Thanks for adding your perspective! I went to A&M and lived in an apartment all 4 years. Decided to go last minute, so dorms were all taken. I met some of the best friends I had in college as neighbors while living in apartments. It is different, but it is what you make of it. Some people don’t want to be in the middle of all of the action and eat cafeteria food lol. Living in an apartment really made you feel like it was time to grow up and learn how to make adult decisions because you had to. Just another perspective. It is not the end of the world if your kiddo ends up in an apartment. I loved it. Everyone finds their way when they get to Aggieland.
Okay if you will, let me put a little perspective in here that may alleviate some fears/anxiety on housing, Some have already been said by me and others but I’ll reiterate if necessary.
Student housing in Aggieland is like no other that I’ve seen. Even though off campus, they foster more community than a dorm will. I do not suggest living alone, but do suggest own room and possibly bathroom but it’s nice for them to struggle a little bit and learn to share that. Once the student is on campus for the day, they will be going to the MSC, Library, dining halls or food courts etc just like anyone who lives on campus.
Also, most students only live on campus 1 year… 9 months. Your students will find their people. It will most likely not be the ones they live with, but in their classes, organizations, intramurals, rec center, northgate bar hopping (i kid), greek life, etc. It is okay for them to figure all this out.
bottom line, I too had the desire for my kids to live on campus and get “that” feeling. Sadly, that feeling, wasn’t the same as we had 30 years ago. And it’s okay… just different.
So don’t hang your worries on housing. It will work out and your student will deal with whatever is thrown their way.
Every university is different, but I work with undergraduates at UT. They seem to make life-long friends in their classes and in their student organizations. UT can be a very lonely place. I bet TAMU can be too. Joining student orgs and forming study groups seems essential. My daughter also plans to be an active member at St. Mary’s.
IMHO, 90-95% of students who have the opportunity to live on campus have a great experience. However, for a small portion, living in a dorm is not a positive experience - interrupted sleep, incompatible roommates, dislike dining hall food, etc. Its definitely a personal choice and not for everyone
