With the rise in housing rates, many students will be looking to off-campus housing as an option for the next school year. How do the nearby apartment complexes compare to Saint Louis University housing?

In price comparison, the surrounding apartment complexes of Lindell Towers Apartments, The Drake Plaza Apartments and Grand Forest Apartments are lower than the cost of University housing, based on nine months rent of a 12-month lease compared with the University’s nine-month school year housing contract.

A one bedroom with two occupants in Lindell Towers costs $2,542.50 per person, compared to the $4,740 a person the University charges for a one-bedroom, two-occupant apartment with a balcony in Marchetti Towers. Utilities, surface parking and 24-hour security are covered through rent for Lindell Towers. Residents pay for phone and cable access. Lindell allows three, six and nine month leases with an additional monthly charge or a year-long lease.

The Drake Plaza costs $2,317.50 per person for a two-occupant one-bedroom, compared to the $4,740 Marchetti one-bedroom, two-occupant apartment. Utilities are not included in rent costs, but security and surface parking are included. Residents of the Drake Plaza must be 20 years old.

A two bedroom in the Grand Forest Apartments cost $2,565 per person. The Village Apartments run $5,910 per person for a two bedroom without a balcony. To live in Grand Forest, must 21. Residents must also cover the cost of utilities.

An efficiency apartment, an open-bedroom, one-occupant apartment in Lindell Towers costs $4,275 per person, while a single in Fusz will cost $4,820. In addition, students living in residence halls must purchase a meal plan valued at more than $3,000

Students are living off campus, but not far off. Currently, 90 percent of Lindell Towers houses SLU students. The Drake Plaza has a 70 percent SLU population, while Grand Forest houses 40 percent of SLU students.

Students are not only saving money when they move off campus, but they are also learning how to live more responsibly. “The majority of people who live here are graduate students or upper-class undergraduates. Here they have a little bit more freedom, but are so close to the SLU community,” said Kathy Bresnahan, resident manager of Lindell Towers.

A quieter environment is also a benefit to those looking for off-campus housing. “Students like to get into a quieter environment with fewer rules, and the parking is free,” said Mike Hermann, property manager of Grand Forest.

“I prefer living off campus. There are more advantages than disadvantages. I do not see as many other people, but it is cheaper than living in the Village, said Rachel Bettis, junior. “I like the older look and the bigger apartments. It is quieter as well as a fun atmosphere.”

“It comes out to be cheaper even though I live by myself. I also do not have to put up with SLU rules,” said Philipp Skogstad, junior. “I can keep my place the whole year as well…It is quieter too. A disadvantage is the slower internet.”

There are many advantages to living off campus, including lower cost and parking included in the cost of rent. SLU’s increase in housing rates has put them their neighbors’, students will decide if the quality is worth it.