Written by Anne Reiman
Most students are flooded with relief when they finally can move out of the dorms and into off-campus housing with friends. Finding a place to live isn't too difficult, as long as you do your research and shop around. As in any other major metropolitan area, the price of real estate in Denver can raise eyebrows. Utilities also can add up, considering Denver's hot summers and cold winters. Many students opt to gather a group of friends-anywhere between two and five people-to rent a small house, larger apartment, or a loft. Others choose to live solo, or with just one roommate in a smaller apartment. Both apartments and small houses are plentiful near campus; it's just a matter of jumping on housing opportunities before they get snatched up by someone else. University Park, South Denver, and Glendale are all popular places for students to live. High, Race, Williams, Gilpin, Humboldt, and Jewell streets are known for being house-party blocks.
For those who wish to live farther away from campus, downtown, other areas surrounding the outskirts of DU, Washington Park, and Cherry Creek offer exquisite apartments and houses, but at a considerably higher cost. You can find much cheaper housing a few blocks from campus, then ride your bike, drive, or even walk to school. For a fun, cultural, and eclectic living experience that's a bit less expensive, try the Capitol Hill area. It's not the best part of town, but it is unique. The entire process of securing housing can be confusing and lengthy, so don't put it off. Also, make sure to conduct a thorough inspection yourself of where you might live. Many places advertised as classy and high quality are actually dumps.