As the spring semester comes to an end, many students are thinking about making the transition to living off campus. We interviewed three students who live at some of Bowling Green’s largest apartment complexes to give insight to those of you who are weighing your options between different living situations.
The Columns
Indianapolis junior Britney Utterback lives at the Columns, which is located at 1140 Kentucky Street. Call them at 270-847-4817 or visit their website.
What made you decide to move to the Columns?
The proximity to campus for sure! It’s such an easy walk and the bus stops right outside the apartment complex. I didn’t even need to buy a parking pass this year.
What are some of the benefits of living at the Columns?
There are many benefits. We don’t have to pay to park here; the maintenance is really fast whenever we have an issue; the staff are always really friendly and can answer any of my questions; and the Columns is actually the old Bowling Green High School building, which gives my apartment a lot of character. And the apartments are furnished! That’s a nice plus.
What is it like dealing with your landlords?
Honestly, we don’t see them much — just once a month when we give them a check. They’re always nice when we see them.
Do you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth?
For me, I don’t think it’s about getting my money’s worth because I think I’m getting the most the Columns can offer. However, I live in a one-bedroom with my boyfriend and we pay over $800 a month. I think it’s overpriced for an apartment complex in Bowling Green.
Midtown at WKU
Devin Wright, a senior from White House, Tennessee, lives at the Midtown at WKU apartment complex, located at 1313 Center Street. Call them at 270-495-4205 or visit their website.
What made you move to Midtown?
I was looking for a new place to live, and I had some buddies who were already living there.
What are some benefits of living at Midtown?
The rules aren’t as strict as they are on campus. There’s also a pool and a gym. And it’s nice that I get my own bathroom.
What is it like dealing with your landlords?
It’s all right. The leasing office is right downstairs, so if I have any questions I can go down there and ask them.
Do you think that you’re getting your money’s worth?
No. Midtown is really expensive for a place in Bowling Green. I feel like I could get a better deal somewhere else.
The Registry
Bowling Green junior Julia Harkins lives at The Registry, which is located at 103 Old Morgantown Road. Call them at 270-843-9292 or visit their website.
What made you decide to move to the Registry?
Honestly, I just needed a place to stay for the summer because my previous lease was up. I decided to stay the entire year because I liked the location and adored my roommate.
What are some of the benefits of living at the Registry?
It’s super close to campus, and there is a pool and a tanning bed and a gym, if you’re into that sort of thing. But I think the thing that I like most is that when I order something or get mail I know it will be safe and not just left on a stoop.
What is it like dealing with your landlords?
We don’t really talk with them. When we have problems we either go to the office employees or fill out an online maintenance request. The desk staff and maintenance people are nice, but the only time I’ve spoken with a manager is when my ESA (emotional support animal) application for my cat got approved.
Do you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth?
I’m not sure I would say that. Right now they are charging us an $18 fee for three months because the utility management company they use is charging them for their services. And in the winter we cannot move the thermostat above 70 degrees or we get an overage charge — I had to buy a space heater, and we still had to pay a $35 overage fee.