Board of Trustees approves minimal apartment rate increases

Contact: Cheryl Roland

KALAMAZOO—Acting at their Dec. 5 meeting, Western Michigan University trustees approved rate increases for on-campus apartments and apartment-style residential units that will increase rental rates by $7 to $23 per month, starting with the fall 2014 semester.

The recommended rates for all complexes include parking, water and sewer service, cable, trash removal and recycling services, plus security features. Goldsworth Valley, Elmwood and Stadium Drive apartments also include utilities. Students living in WMU housing enjoy the added benefits of campus living with convenient access to classes, events and academic services.

Per-bedroom rates at Western View will increase by a weighted average of 2.49 percent, keeping prices competitive with the surrounding community. Effective fall 2014, per-bedroom monthly charges at Western View will range from $431 to $730, depending on the unit style selected.

Two new residential buildings were added to Western View in fall 2013, accommodating 174 additional students. The entire complex is currently operating at 98 percent occupancy. Included in the recent expansion project was a new community center that opened its doors in October to offer residents a gathering space for engagement and interaction. The facility includes meeting and study rooms, a kitchen area, fitness room and an outdoor space featuring a gas fireplace and sport court.

Because of high demand, students interested in living at Western View next fall are encouraged to begin the application process early at wmich.edu/housing/apartments/westernview.html.

All WMU apartment rates, including units in Goldsworth Valley, Elmwood and Stadium Drive Apartments, will increase by a weighted average of 2.23 percent per unit. The new fall rates will range from $637 for a one-bedroom unfurnished apartment to $934 per month for a two-bedroom furnished unit. All WMU Apartments are at 94 percent occupancy for fall 2013.

WMU currently operates 20 residence halls, seven dining facilities, six cafés, four apartment-style complexes and one residential complex. In fall 2013, 5,695 individuals lived on campus; 95 percent of degree-seeking first-time freshmen chose to live in campus residence halls.

For more information, visit www.wmich.edu/housing, contact Residence Life at rl-info@wmich.edu, or call (269) 387-4735.