Living here has made parts of my college experience much, much easier, but it hasn't come without quite a few inconveniences.
I'll start with the bad and end with the good:
1. The general manager from my first year left and they have hired a new manager, Whitney. While on occasion I have still had to speak with her on certain issues, but I will avoid her at all costs. She is extremely rude and acts like you are inconveniencing her by bringing something to her attention.
2. The office over the summer was VERY disorganized and it made me feel glad that I'm as organized as I am. I was listed as a transfer because I was moving from a 4-bedroom unit to a 3-bedroom unit. To do this, I had to pay $250 to stay an extra two weeks instead of having to move all of my stuff out and move it all back in. Each person I talked to seemed unaware that I was transferring, even though each time someone supposedly put a note on my account for future staff members to see. I was also informed that my roommate and I could transfer to our new unit on July 31. I informed my dad, who would be helping me move, and she informed her mom, so they could take the day off to help us move. We were later told that I was never moving on July 31 and they acted like we made it up. Our move in date got moved to August 1, and I went without help to move my things.
3. There is literally always something broken, whether it's a door, elevator, something in my unit--you name it and something is broken. My building only has one elevator and is the only building to have a 6th floor. The elevator is broke constantly, so I've had to drag my suitcase or my groceries (that I usually wheel up to my apartment) up the stairs. In past years they've discounted our rent--no sign of that yet. The office has also informed us many times that it will be permanently fixed on x date and a permanent fox still hasn't been made.
4. The residents are honestly hit or miss. It's often pretty loud from Thursday-Sunday when parties/tailgates are happening. Residents that have pets will also leave poop/pee around the complex and expect the maintenance crew to clean it up.
5. We don't have a spot where guests can park. The original guest lot was more or less ripped out from underneath Aspen, so we have to get guest passes from the office for any guests. This can be a HUGE PAIN because you can only get the passes during business hours and you have to have the pass turned back in during the next business day. If they've ran out, they basically tell you you're out of luck. Any other lot around Aspen will tow vehicles so it's hard to have guests over for long periods of time.
Now to the pros:
1. Ashley is FANTASTIC. Generally, she's the one I go to with issues and they get fixed. She works efficiently, WANTS TO HELP, and might be the sweetest person on the planet. She's been a great addition to the Aspen team and I'm so, so thankful for her. Ashley does a great job making sure we all feel safe and making sure our experience living at Aspen is as pain-free as it can be!
2. The maintenance team is incredible. They are on top of issues as soon as they get them and work so efficiently. I'm so thankful to have such a great group of guys to help out when need be.
3. The closets at Aspen are HUGE and I love the fact that it's fully furnished. The features in the apartments (the smart keys, laundry in-unit, fully equipped kitchen, etc) has been fantastic!
4. I have a parking spot in the covered section of the parking garage (which is $15 extra a month) and it's been so nice to have a sheltered spot for my car. The people that park near me are generally pretty courteous and I haven't had any problems!
5. SMOJS is such a nice touch to the complex! They're always seen on Aspen's property and generally are pretty quick to solve any issues. I feel so much safer with them around!
For how many amenities are offered, I feel the lease prices are fair and the location is amazing! Aspen is close to a ton of restaurants and attractions! I am able to take the blue Bearline route to campus and can be there in five minutes, rather than taking up a majority of my time looking for a parking spot before class. I also worked at Hammons Field and it was really easy to walk to work instead of trying to figure out where to park (since we do not get a close parking lot at the field). It's been nice for going to Bears baseball games as well! read more