UMSON Fall 2014

Published

Deadline is set - February 3, 2014

Who is applying?

Hi Aviator,

first, i'd urge you to consider finding a private landlord, through zillow or craigslist, before considering apartment complexes. Just speaking from my own experience here, but I have found that the private options are usually nicer/more fairly priced. Also, generally speaking, baltimore is a 'checker board city' meaning that the safety/desirability really does change drastically in as little as one block. living near Lexington market puts you in one of the more dangerous areas associated with UMB- robbery and mugging are common occurences for UMB students who walk to/from the Lexington market garage, and the Charles towers place looks like it would put you walking right through that area. If you plan to be in a shuttle, I suppose it might be safer. The Marlboro place seems like a better location; lombard is generally pretty busy/well patrolled, in my experience. Also like you mentioned, literally like 2 blocks from school, so very convenient. The standard apts start to put you in the mt. Vernon area of Baltimore, which would be my personal preference. It's safer, nicer (also somewhat of a 'gay' area - not kidding) but how would you get to school? If there was a shuttle, that'd be cool. Check out the charm city circulator - it's a free bus.

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Hi aviator! I think it depends on what kind of housing you're looking for. Marlboro Classic, Inner Harbor Lofts, and the Sail Cloth are all on streets running along campus so you get the benefit of having an extra layer of security from campus police. If you're not used to or comfortable with living in a more urban city yet then those are great options. There is also another apartment building called the Zenith a few blocks down that is across the street from the Hilton that is nice. All of these buildings are close enough that you would not need to drive or take public transit.

Charles Towers and the Standard are both further away from campus. You will likely want to take public transportation to get to campus from here. I also know that the university provides a bus shuttle service for students that passes through Mount Vernon. Not sure if it passes through Charles Village. I know people who live in both of these neighborhoods and love it.

We chose to live close to campus until we get to know Baltimore better. While Mt Vernon, Fells Point, Fed Hill, Canton, etc are definitely cooler neighborhoods to hang out in, we chose convenience over style since we knew very little about the city. I think it depends on your own perspective though and the type of city that you're used to navigating.

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Thanks for the information everyone! Both Charles towers and the standard have their own shuttles and the school's shuttle stop at these locations as well. I like the idea of have someone at the front desk 24/7 plus I like that these buildings require a pass code to enter them. We looked at private landlord town and row houses, but we like the security features of the larger buildings. We may just have to apply to several buildings and hope something opens up around the time we plan to move there.

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I will be commuting as well. Currently I live only 15 mintes away from the Shady Grove campus although I might be moving a little further away next year.

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I've lived in Baltimore/Bmore area, on and off, for close to 10 years. If you have questions about the city, feel free to ask! Baltimore City public transportation is mediocre. ie-my commute to Arundel Mills, via bus and light rail took 3 hrs ONE WAY (15 min by car!) Going from Irvington to Timonium took 90min-2 hrs. It's ok for short distances. Just expect lots of delays and unexpected variables.

I recommend the Catonsville area! It's only about 5 miles from campus.

As far as safety goes, just be smart and look like you know what you're doing. My old house was broken into twice, but BCPD said it had to be someone I knew. If you seem street-smart, but not cocky, you shouldn't have any problems. In spite of the crime, Baltimore is actually a very friendly city!

I'm living in Catonsville (just inside Bmore City limits) now, but I applied to the Shady Grove campus. I've worked in Frederick for 8 years, my children's father lives out there, family situations, etc... were my determining factors. My mom lives 10 min from USG campus, so I can eat/nap there between classes. Montgomery County is expensive, so I won't live there. But I LOVE Frederick. It's worth the commute. It'll be easier to have my family closer together while I'm in school.

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Sign up for UM Alerts: http://www.umaryland.edu/alerts/um-alerts/

They'll send you text alerts for weather and safety issues.

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Hey everyone,

I noticed everyone is talking about housing. Sorry for asking a dumb question but have you guys already received your decisions yet (?) or were you just planning?

I was under the impression decisions aren't being sent out until mid to late April.. Thanks!!

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No decisions/calls yet to my knowledge! Except for military applicants that requested to be notified early.

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All this talk about housing is extremely helpful. Although I'm excited by the possibility of exploring a new city. One thing that us Washingtonians hate about B-More is the "checker board city" thing BusyBee talked about. You never really know which area is safe, at least in my opinion. I remember my best graduation from UMBC in the stadium by the harbor. When we were leaving, we made a wrong turn and suddenly we were in the ghetto!! I was like "DAMN, two blocks that way are million dollar condos!"

I will keep all this info in mind. I did receive a phone call from Baltimore today....but as it turns out, it was Coppin State asking for an interview for their accelerated program (which I reallllly don't wanna go to). Keeping my fingers crossed for UMD!!

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I found a really helpful reddit forum about safe neighborhoods in baltimore for those of you already considering housing. Young female looking for a safe/nice/cheapish neighborhood to live in near Baltimore. Where should I look? : baltimore

Another consideration is Anne Arundel County or Baltimore County. Glen Burnie/Pasadena (in aaco) for example (while a little trashy imo) is generally pretty safe and only a 15/20 min drive from downtown bmore. Same goes for Catonsville in bco (which I think some one already mentioned).

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Also did anyone else get an e-mail from Marchelle in admissions about filling out the location form? I'm supposed to pick Baltimore or Shady Grove but I don't have a student ID # which is a required field. If anyone has any information, please share!

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Hey,

Did any of you get a Location Confirmation Form email? I had one just now, my heart was beating so fast I thought it was an admissions email. Ahhh they need to stop playing with my emotions. Actually I just need to stop being so anxious!

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