By Mackynlie Conklin | Prices for the Howard Payne Newbury Place apartments are shifting due to renovations that are currently underway. This semester, one apartment building has been empty due to renovations taking place.
The cost of living in the apartments is now dependent upon how many students are living in the apartments. In the past, students paid the same rate regardless of how many students were living in the apartment.
Dr. Magen Bunyard, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at HPU, said, “The new rate structure honors students’ preferences and provides options for students. Students now have the option to request one, two, or three roommates. For students requesting three roommates (four residents) for renovated Apartments 1-8, the 2021-2022 rate is $5 more than the 2020-2021 rate. For students requesting three roommates (four residents) for Apartments 9-24, the 2021-2022 rate is $95 less than the 2020-2021 rate.
Many students are frustrated with the changing rate of the on-campus apartments.
Travis Taylor, a senior currently living in the apartments, said, “I’m not really happy about the rising individual cost for apartments with two people. Yes, there is a tuition freeze that helps, but I’m trying to save as much money as I can. I’m looking for a cheaper option to live at Howard Payne, so the increased cost of the apartments is not great. I’d rather have the same cost for the apartments, no matter where they are.”
While some students are frustrated with the changing rate of the apartments, many understand that it is necessary in order to accommodate for the much-needed renovations.
Mary Beth Lane, a senior living in the apartments, said, “I don’t think the changing rate is necessary, but I also understand that doing renovations does bring extra costs to the university.”
Though some students are upset about the shifting rate, most students are understanding of the change.
Tommy Shands, a junior living in the apartments, said, “I’d say that the changing rate of the apartments is sensible, because everything they’re doing over there is new.”
Many students agree that the rate change is a necessary factor for the improvement of the apartment complex.
Amanda Moore, a junior planning on moving into the apartments, said, “I definitely think that [the changing rate] is necessary in order for us to have those renovations done and to have those perks that everyone wants done. I’m looking forward to this happening to all the apartments so that everyone can have the same perks.”
For most students moving into the apartments for the first time, the shifting rate is not a deterrent.
Rishona Raub, a sophomore moving into the apartments next semester, said, “I know that some apartments are going to be a little more expensive, but I think it will be worth it to spend a little extra money for a brand new area. I don’t think the cost is too big of a deal. I think it’s very reasonable, and overall the cost doesn’t bother me.”
Despite the shifting rate, many students currently living in the apartments still recommend that students consider moving into the complex.
“I would absolutely recommend moving into the apartments. They are very convenient. It’s nice not having to worry about paying rent outside of tuition. I really like that DPS is nearby as well,” Lane said.
Many students currently living in the apartments believe that living in the apartments is a great experience.
“Living in the on-campus apartments is great. The space is a lot more private, which is nice. It is a little more expensive than living in the dorms, but it’s worth it. The community aspect is amazing,” Shands added.
Despite the changing rates, many students new to the apartments are excited about moving in next semester.
“I am very excited to be moving into the apartments next year. It’s going to be different because I’ve been used to living in the dorms for the past three years, but I’m excited for the move,” said Moore.
Even though the shifting rates of living in the apartments might not be convenient for everybody, they will contribute to significantly improving the apartments’ aesthetic and the student living experience. The shifting rates will certainly benefit students in the long-run.