While the University of Denver mandates all first and second-year students live in on-campus dorms, over 75% of third and fourth year students live off-campus. This high percentage is due to a shortage of on-campus housing options for DU’s juniors and seniors.

Convenience in relation to on-campus locations is a priority for many DU students in search of off-campus housing.

While many University of Denver Studentsenjoy living in stand alone units instead of apartments, an overwhelming majorityof these units are not situated near the DUcampus.

In searching for off-campus living arrangements, many students such asInternational Studies major Caleb Petry relied on the internet to aid in their quest of finding housing after returning from study abroad.

Many housing options in and aroundthe DU area provide amenities such as washer and dryer facilities. Locations such as Tabor Apartmentshowever charge $1.75 for washingmachines and $1.25 to use the dryers.

According to a Denver Post article published in2015, in the city of Denver, the average rent foran apartment costs approximately $1,359 permonth.

With a large number of new housing unitsbeing constructed in and around the DU area, parking problems have persisted for many DU students who reside off-campus.

A positive aspect of the construction projects occurring around the DU areais the fact that new housing is being builtin areas of great convenience such as on University Blvd.

According to several residents of the TaborApartments on University Blvd, the various construction projects taking place have made street parking in the immediate area around the apartments a disaster.

In spite of the on-campus housing shortages, there are still a significant number of off-campus locations availablefor rent in and around the DU area.

Although there are many off- campus living options available in and around the DU area, some DU students procrastinated on finding housing and consequently had to reside on friends’ couches until a suitable living arrangement could be made.

The University of Denver neighborhoodis a sprawling community, as a result off-campus housing is a complicated issuefor many juniors and seniors. This holdsespecially true for those returning from study abroad.