Friday, April 4, 2008

Another reason not to like housing


Continuing with my 'I don't like getting ripped off' theme...

Max's post about the downsides of iHousing is a good read, as is the contentious conversation in the comments section. But I'd like to introduce another reason not to like GW housing: it's a rip off!

GW could not get off providing what it provides for the prices it charges in a free market, which is why freshman and sophomores are forced to purchase housing. (I'm sure there are other reasons, but I doubt none more important than $$$)

Take, for instance, an Ivory Tower Quad, which costs each occupant $10,815. That's $43,260 per academic year, or $5407.5 A MONTH. For a two bedroom apartment. With crappy furniture and appliances. Surely a competitive rate for the area, right?

It was hard to even locate apartments with rent over $5k a month, but a quick search found a couple. Does this like your typical GW dorm?

Luxurious short-term distinctively furnished and accessorized one and two bedroom apartments. Each suite is beautifully decorated with custom-made furniture and features hardwood flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and washers/dryers. Suites are equipped with our Sony electronic package, digital cable, high-speed Internet access and local phone service. Other amenities include 24-hour front desk and concierge services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an executive business center with conference space, housekeeping service and dry cleaning/valet service. A continental breakfast featuring Starbucks coffee and Tazo Tea is served weekdays.

Yes, my friends, that is what you can get, very close to campus, for $5250 a month, CHEAPER than GW Housing.

After living in Fulbright for two years (see picture of my kitchen that doesn't work... Fix It request filed in November), I am definitely moving off campus next year. In fact, I am going to cancel my Ivory Tower quad assignment tomorrow and sign a lease on an apartment that includes most of the amenities listed above for less $$$ than GW would charge me. For those of you who were wait listed this year, explore your options! You may find you can get a lot more for a whole lot less.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Freshmen and Sophomores are required to live on campus due to zoning law. As with everything else the neighbors due it is an attempt to limit GW's enrollment.

Anonymous said...

Quit your bitching, we have some of the nicest dorms anywhere. Have you visited a freshman or sophomore in any other college on earth? Chances are they live in a closet and pay just as much for it, while you are upset because of a broken kitchen cabinet.

Emily Berger said...

Here's another side:
http://gwblogspot.blogspot.com/2008/04/suck-it-up-its-not-that-bad-housing.html

PS: Housing changed Fulbright occupancy limits per room so these will be triples now, which makes them a better value and very decent space-wise.

PSS: Give Ian a break, anonymous. 5 months is a long time to deal with a broken cabinet, especially when it's basically the only one you have in a fulbright kitchen.