If University of Minnesota pharmacy third-year Chris Hayden turns on his toaster and microwave at the same time, he’s often greeted with sudden darkness as his kitchen’s circuit blows a fuse.
Hayden’s housing woes are one of many for students nationwide. A recent survey of United States college students showed a variety of common housing complaints, including some found near the University.
The Rent College Pads survey let students speak up about concerns, and they also shared information about their living arrangements.
According to the survey, the most common complaints were poor Wi-Fi and low quality appliances.
Jeremy Schmidt, marketing director for RCP, said he was surprised by the results and that the expected Wi-Fi to be less of an issue.
Hayden said Wi-Fi quality around the house is a significant issue for him and his roommate, third-year pharmacy student Kevin Mogen.
Their walls also tend to be thin.
“It makes it hard to get homework done,” Mogen said.
Hayden said they are generally happy with the location because it is near a bus route that takes them to campus.
According to the survey, proximity to campus was a top concern for students.
Alec Logeman, material science and engineering sophomore, said his only issue with his house is its bathroom. The second floor only has one restroom for seven people.
Otherwise, Logeman said he was quite happy with how his landlords at Dinkytown Rentals quickly repair and solve house-related issues.
Journalism junior Brittany Christenson said she hasn’t had any issues with her apartment in Dinkytown. She said it is worthwhile to have an apartment in the area, even though it means sharing a bedroom.
RCP has been active on the University campus since October.
Based on Google searches, RCP found that students start looking for multi-bedroom houses in November, while those in the market for
one-bedroom or studio apartments tend search for them later in the school year.
“The housing cycle at Minnesota is a little longer than the average campus.” Schmidt said, pointing to schools like Pennsylvania State
University, where students often find housing for the next school year by the end of October.
