Moving to Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge: apartments, violent crime, living in)

[orange_hamster]

I'm moving to LSU in May and I'm looking for somewhere to live. I will be doing a postdoc so the only student halls I'm allowed to live in are Edward Gay and the Nicholson Apartments. I know the Edward Gay apartments are in a very bad area, but what about the Nicholson apartments? How do the area that the apartments are in compare to where the parking lots are?

In particular because I'm unable to drive and won't be able to learn before I move out I will need to live within walking distance (~2 miles) of the university. Are there any good and reasonably quiet areas around there where it is both safe and I will be able to sleep at night? I'd rather avoid living in an area that is overly populated by undergrad students so would rather somewhere with postgrad students if that is at all possible.

Also coming from the UK what are the dangers of the area? Are most robberies committed by someone who is armed? What type of things should I look out for when choosing an apartment? Anything to be wary of in terms of extra charges?

[Homoudont]

I've been to the Edward Gay apartments and I had no reason to fear for my life. You are literally a block or two away from campus and I can't see you running into any trouble if you reside there. Good Luck on whichever area you choose

[buildings_and_bridges]

If I had to choose between the two, I would rather live in the Edward Gay Apts. I think that area is safer, though neither is fantastic, as I guess you realize. Safety-wise, the area south of the campus is safer than the north. Personally, I have lived in both areas with virtually no problems, but I did find the area south of the campus to be more peaceful and it made me less anxious. If you're considering off-campus housing, there are a number of apartment buildings on Gourrier and Burbank, just on the southern end of the campus. I recommend the Embassy Apts., unless you have pets.

As for avoiding extra charges and being scammed by apartment managers in general, I don't think that differs too much here. A deposit is standard, but I don't think it should exceed half of monthly rent. A pet deposit if you have a dog or cat is also pretty standard. In general, I'm wary of extraneous fees, or when they advertise falsely (indicating you can take advantage of a special discount but then amending it after you've agreed to it by adding more fees). I don't like to keep doing business with people when that starts up.

I haven't confronted any robbers, attackers, etc., so I guess I couldn't answer your question about whether or not they're armed. I just know that most of the violent crime that occurs in Baton Rouge does not occur in the LSU area.

Best of luck to you!