Duke ABSN Spring 2010, anyone?

Hi carolinapooh,

I don't think I'm able to PM because I don't think I have enough posts yet. But, I was wondering if you could tell me anything about housing down there in Durham. Like, what places you've heard are great, what places to avoid, what places are close to Duke (I'm ideally looking to be no more than 10-15 minutes away, because I don't want to have to spend a bunch of time traveling back and forth), etc. How did you end up finding a place? (a realtor, looking yourself, etc.). I know that the Duke SON has a list of "Popular Apartment Complexes" they sent me when I asked for it, but popular doesn't neccesarily mean it's a good place to live! Also, did you end up with a roommate? If you did, how did you find one? Sorry for so many questions at once, there's so much to think about!

Thanks!
Nicole

Hey everybody!
Just to let you know, feel free to contact me about housing and what not. I live in Durham, about a mile from the DUSON building and there are tons of Duke offered housing, and also lots of houses for rent in the area. There is no shortage, so it seems.

My question is.... has anyone had any revelation regarding payment for this program??? Has anyone heard of scholarships or ANYTHING helpful? I can't even figure out the NC loan situation.....

Also, for the ABSN graduate... did you find that Duke's pay was reasonable to pay off those loans? Bc the fact that this is one of the most expensive schools and lowest paying hospitals is really discouraging... just thought I'd ask. Clearly I'm feeling the burden.

Thanks!

ckgdurham,

Do you know of any places you would suggest for living, or any places to stay away from? That's great that you live so close and don't have to worry about relocating or moving! Kinda stinks though that even though you live in NC there's no in-state for Duke!

As far as payment I guess I'm planning on just taking out those good 'ol loans, ugh. I haven't heard of any scholarships but definitely plan on looking into things to see if there are any (besides the Duke ones). I'm hoping that they'll start sending out information soon in general about things so that I can feel a little bit more in the know and on top of it all. I can't believe we're only 5 months away from starting our journey to becoming NURSES!!!

Nicole

I am going to commute from North Raleigh. I am not from Durham but I know the Triangle area pretty well. I am wondering about our schedule for the first semester! I want to meet with financial aid too- I am hoping to go in September. I think a lot of the scholarships had Spring due dates but I need to email financial aid and make sure there is nothing I can apply for as a NC resident for this year.

Hi everyone! Congratulations!

Re: Scholarships, i called the financial aid office 2 weeks ago and they said that the results should be out by the week of August 17th but i haven't heard from them since. Would you know if they would be notifying you about the decision even if they won't be granting you a scholarship?

I'm really new to this whole financial aid and loan thing. I would really appreciate any advice. I just feel so lost and overwhelmed. Could people actually get away with getting a private loan for the whole cost of attendance? Or is that not advisable?

Can't wait to meet all of you!

Has anyone heard anything from Duke since they officially accepted their admission offer? I am not sure what is the next step I should be taking.. just curious if anyone knows.

Thanks!

No, but I talked to someone at Admissions who said they were busy getting the Fall class started. She recommended writing an email if we wanted to check on anything.

Hey everyone!
I haven't heard anything from Duke, but hear that we are to be receiving packets with information soon.
With regard to the apartments, I have heard that The Parc at University Tower, and Alexan Place are nice and about five miles away. Lofts at Lakeview (brand new), Erwin Terrace, and Station 9 are all about 2 miles away and from what I hear are very nice as well.
I realize that all y'all haven't found places to live yet, neither have I, but is anyone looking for a roommate? I am looking to cut costs as much as possible. Do you think Duke will send out a contact list so that we might know who is in our class?

Josh

Hey, So the lofts, erwin terrace, and station 9 are all very nice- if you want to be confident you'll have a nice place but don't mind the cost, not a bad idea. You'll find once you get here that everyone in those areas is some form of doctor, nurse, student- whatever- that wants to be close and have a nice place, not necessarily be in or around durham.
West Village is close and nice, as well as the Addison- they are both near Brightleaf in downtown. Within a few miles of the Nursing school and hospital- but aren't a couple blocks away. You'll easily pay 900 or more for a one bedroom. If you come from NYC, that may be great, in Durham- you are paying a lot.
I prefer living in the old houses, there are a LOT for rent its just a matter of finding a good one and the right landlord/rental company. Bob Shmidtz properties are not well kept and I have heard loads of complaints about him as a landlord. Trinity Properties is decent, they respond to requests, they aren't perfect, but better than Bob S. They have less and less houses and more apartments these days. Apple Realty rents houses for individual owners- can be hit or miss.
My opinion is that you should be able to find a one bedroom place that is decent for 500, but not being able to visit, I can see how it'd be easier for people to go to The Lofts or the Addison where you can be confident of getting something secure.
The East side of durham is pretty sketchy as far as crime, drugs, etc.... The rest is mostly block by block. There is a lot of character and fun to be enjoyed but you do have to be safe and check out neighborhoods...
I'll do my best to answer specific things better (i've been out of town)- there are TONS of places to live its hard to list them.

Good neighborhoods for houses: Old West Durham, Trinity Park, Watts Hillandale, Lakewood is decent (these are all likely to have rental houses) Forest Hills and HopeValley will cost more and more commonly selling properties, but are great as well.
Here is an example of what you'll commonly find- I live very near this listing in a comparable situation. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/apa/1351832272.html