All posts in off-campus housing

Hey ResLife, it’s everyone who studied abroad last semester

By: / January 13, 2015 / 1 Comment /
You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.

Hey ResLife,

It’s us – the students that went abroad in the fall semester. Unfortunately, we need to talk.

While we’ve been away, we’ve traveled around the world, and we can’t pretend it’s not bittersweet to be going back to Brown. On the upside, at least we’re going back to stability: no more living out of suitcases, or wondering what conditions tomorrow’s hostel will bring. No, we are returning to a campus where we know we have a place – where we know that we’re wanted back.

Oh wait, never mind.

Actually, we still don’t know where we will be living in approximately five days time. After months of transit, it doesn’t seem like we’re so welcome home after all. In fact, the Storage Center of Providence is skeptical that we’re even returning, because we haven’t told them where to deliver our boxes (Matt Degulis, if you’re reading this, we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience).

Not only has this been a worse state of limbo than where Leo DiCaprio found himself in Inception (wait – if we jump out of window, will we wake up in a dorm in Providence?), but according to your email this morning, we should be exploring our off-campus options in the next 24 hours. This is rather absurd, considering Brown policy states that no student who went abroad in the fall can live off-campus in the following spring. But, hey, thanks for the 24-hour heads up to start calling landlords, and we really appreciate that we will still get charged an off-campus fee!

Email received January 12th

Email received January 12th

It sounds like at the moment, we may not even have rooms at Brown. *If you need creative suggestions for housing next term, see this post.*

Now sweetheart, we know that things have been stressful for you in Grad Center E. This isn’t meant to be a flog, but we filled out our housing preference forms in late November, and you haven’t even called since? If you don’t want us back, grow up and say it to our faces (and pay for our respective plane tickets for another semester abroad). Or, realistically, send us an email to let us know that things are running behind schedule, but we shouldn’t stress.

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SPONSORED: Why you should become one of the 267 in 257 Thayer

By: / October 20, 2014 / No Comments /

After walking up Thayer Street dozens of times a day, Brown students have become accustomed to passing the 257 Thayer construction site without a second thought. However, now that the complex is ready for leasing, 257 Thayer is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. This year’s batch of 267 residents will be the first to experience its prime location, all-inclusive amenities, and fun, community-building activities.

One of the features of 257 Thayer that sets it apart from other apartments in Providence is that 257 Thayer is all-inclusive. Renting one of the complex’s single, double, or three-person apartments comes with utilities, furniture, cable TV, Wi-Fi, heating and air conditioning, and access to the complex’s state-of-the-art gym. Everything a student may need in their apartment is provided and included in the monthly rent. No extra purchases necessary.

Heather Rojas, manager of 257 Thayer, says, “We specialize in student housing. We understand what student needs are and try to meet them. We have a maintenance and service team on site and available for residents at anytime.” If student-residents have issues, 257 managers will talk to students about the problem rather than immediately implementing lease repercussions. “We like to do business family style,” Rojas says.

In keeping with Brown University’s commitment to environmentalism, 257 Thayer is Silver LEED certified, meaning the complex reduces its energy by 30% compared to other buildings of its size. 257 Thayer’s other eco-friendly features include solar panels on the roof, insulation that saves energy, electric car charging stations, and a commitment to decreasing carbon emissions through biking.

Located in the basement level of 257 Thayer are numerous bike racks, encouraging students to choose eco-friendly transportation and make use of Providence’s new bike path that will connect East Bay and College Hill. Moreover, 257 will host a bicycle benefit, during which residents can bring their bike helmets to the 257 Thayer office and receive a helmet sticker that allows them to get discounts at places such as Spectrum India, NOW Yoga, and many more local businesses.

Perhaps the most unique feature of 257 Thayer is its emphasis on community. Rojas says, “We will have events with various merchants on Thayer and will bring in local artists and musicians as well. We want to help bring Thayer Street back to what it used to be.” 257 Thayer’s commitment to community interaction can already be seen in the parklet outside the Brown University Bookstore, built by 257 Thayer for the spring, summer, and fall months.

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BlogDH PSA: Summer Subletting at Brown

By: / March 17, 2014 / No Comments /

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Looking to sublet, or for people to sublet? BlogDH has got you covered.

BlogDH is launching Brown Summer Subletting 2014, for you to post your ads and requests for summer Providence housing. Don’t end up in a box on Thayer!


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Brown Binaries: SoPo vs. Just-Off-Thayer

By: / February 13, 2012 / 4 Comments /

With spring semester now underway, there are lots of things Brown students have to look forward to: erotically-themed Am Civ courses, a long week of substance-fueled debauchery, and the return of people watching: Main Green Edition. Of course, for certain members of the student body, the beginning of the semester means the start of the ever exciting — and constantly infuriating — Providence house hunt. Always an arduous task, the quest to secure off-campus housing can be a painfully rewarding process, sure to make you feel older, more sophisticated, and perhaps lose you a few friends in the process.

And you thought the housing lottery was bad…
With a slew of new off-campus units now on the market, it’s time to ask, where will you make your home? Should you opt for the historic charm and cheap rent South of Power (SoPo)? Or are you more suited to living a stone’s throw from Spats and a quick walk of shame away from the Hockey House in the land called Just Off Thayer (JOT)?

Though both locales are appealing, whether it’s easy access to late night Nice Slice you crave or the thrill of having a felon touch himself while he squints through your window, deciding where to live can be a big decision. Enter us, stage right. To make the process easier for those of you still on the fence, here’s a comparison chart to help you embrace your inner stereotype. Happy shopping!


7 questions not to ask your prospective landlord

By: / October 3, 2011 / No Comments /

Sharing a space is tough business - try not to get too attached

The online application for off-campus permission went live this morning at 8 AM for rising juniors and seniors and will continue until midnight November 1. For rising juniors, this will be the only time that you’ll be allowed to apply.

There are many reasons to live off-campus at Brown, such as avoiding the anxiety that comes with the housing lottery and the problem of overcrowded dorms. Not to mention the prospect of getting to know your friendly local Rhode Islanders a little better. For those who’ve decided to venture out into greater Providence, you’ll be spending the next few weeks and months hunting down your dream home. Continue Reading