Rising Housing Costs
University at Albany is increasing the cost of on-campus living and students have different reactions
Michael Seifer
Issue date: 10/19/09 Section: Housing
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"I'm starting to wonder if I will be able to afford housing for next semester." Josh, a senior at the University at Albany (who asked that his last name not be used), has fears that are shared by some of his fellow students. Josh lives on-campus in the Empire Commons complex of UAlbany.
During the 2006-2007 year at the University at Albany the room rate for the academic year, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms was $7,722. Now for the 2009-2010 academic year, the same room has a rate of $9,269, which is a 20% increase over that time.
John Scarpa, senior at the University at Albany and resident of Empire Commons, was thinking about living off-campus for this semester. Scarpa chose to be with his friends for his last semester and moved in to Empire Commons but not without some concerns. "I have student loans that I need to start paying off soon, and I wasn't sure if spending that much money on housing was the best idea." He was thinking of off-campus living, maybe a hotel or small apartment close to campus.
Some Hotels may be a sufficient alternative, to on-campus housing, in the fact that several are located right across from campus on Washington and/or Western Ave. Several of those Hotels have kitchens/kitchenettes and amenities that on-campus housing offer. Some Hotels offer amenities that the University cannot.
Not all students share Scarpa and Josh's take on the rising costs. There are some students who feel that the school's decision to raise prices is tolerable and manageable.
"It's a great place live and with all the added luxuries I don't mind paying extra." Kevin Quig, a resident of Empire Commons, is a senior and wants to live in a safe and clean environment. "You hear about all the crime that happens downtown and I can't help but feel that paying more for a place on-campus is well worth it." Quig has friends that live downtown, in the student ghetto, and frequently visits them. "The downtown apartments that my friends stay in are not for me, I can't live in a place where safety is an issue first and foremost." He also mentions how the conditions downtown don't come close to what on-campus housing can offer. He explains, "We have a basketball and volleyball court right outside, and we have barbeques so we can have a party pretty much whenever we want, it's just perfect."
Empire houses 1200 students. The complex contains recreational facilities including basketball and volleyball courts, a fitness center, game room, and a variety of meeting rooms. Students can choose either ten or twelve-month contracts.
Empire is not the only section of Housing that rates are being increased. The main quads (Quadrangles) also are increasing. There are four residential Quads on the main UAlbany campus, each housing roughly 1,200 students. Each quad is comprised of 8 three-story residence halls with a 22 floor tower. The quads are located at the four corners of the University providing access to the libraries, campus center, and the University's athletic facilities.
According to data on the UAlbany web site; during the 2006-2007 academic year a Standard Double, which is a normal two-person bedroom, went for a rate of $5,269. It increased to $6,324 for the current 2009-2010 academic year, which is again roughly a 20% increase.
Evan, whose last name asked not to be used, is a sophomore at the University at Albany and lives on Colonial Quad. "I am definitely afraid of the cost of living increases the University has made." Evan is in a tough situation with wanting to live on-campus next year and not knowing whether he is going to be able to pay for it. He explains, "My father just recently lost his job so I am going to apply for financial aid, hopefully everything will work out."
With the state of the economy affecting the students and their families and the University at Albany's decision to keep increasing housing prices, many students might have to think about cheaper housing alternatives to make sure they can still attend the University.