University of Nevada - Reno (UNR) (apartments, consignment, hotels)

[CyndiG]

I'm currently a Senior in high school in Massachusetts and I hope to attend University of Nevada - Reno (I'm still awaiting my acceptance letter...). I'd just like some general info about UNR from the locals such as yourselves: what are the students like, what are the housing conditions like, the food, etc.

Also, in general, what is Reno like? I'm sure it is "wicked" different from a Bostonian like myself. What are things a young college person can do in Reno? What about clothing stores, thrift stores (!), etc.

Thanks in advance!

[bigdave01]

I am a junior in HS and eventually plan on attending UNR, I don't know all that much but can say a little:

From the outside the dorms seem very nice. Here is a good website for on-campus housing and dining options:
Residential Life, Housing and Food Service at UNR

Also, supposedly the neighborhood west of the university is filled with students.

Reno is about a half hour from Lake Tahoe and world class skiing/snowboarding. Also Reno is surrounded on 4 sides by beautiful mountains, especially when snow-covered in the winter. The campus is about 2 blocks north of downtown, and downtown has really improved over the last few years, and will continue to do so. The river district is very nice. Unfortunately on Virginia St on the 2-3 blocks south of the university north of I-80 there are some scummy hotels, but the University plans to eventually tear them down. The University also just built a beautiful new student union. If you are a sports fan Nevada is excellent in basketball and solid in football, those games are very fun to attend.

Obviously Reno is VERY different from Boston, it is mostly suburban, however can be a great place to live. Reno isn't exactly known for great shopping, but there are a few malls, and Cal Ave south of downtown has some very nice boutique stores. If you ever get the need for a bigger city Sacramento is about a 2 hour drive, and San Francisco is about 4 hours. The train is also very convenient to both places, although expensive.

The campus is beautiful, I would say one of the nicest on the west coast, although probably nothing compared to most east coast schools.

mod cut: pictures deleted

You should type University of Nevada or UNR in the search option at the top of the page. There have been threads similar to this in the past.

Hope this helped.

[bigdave01]

Sorry, it won't let me edit my previous thread. Unfortunately, the University really lacks a college district type of atmosphere with the exception of a few places, there aren't many college oriented businesses near campus. Most of the good clubs, restaurants, and bars are downtown which is a walking distance away.

Here are some other similar threads:

//www.city-data.com/forum/reno-...l-s-about.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/reno-...reno-area.html

[CyndiG]

Thanks for all the pictures! The school has a New England feel to it. My mom and I are relocating to Reno, so I guess I'll be living in the area for a long while. I'll be living with her through college, so I don't have a need for a dorm. My aunt lives in Tahoma, so we'll be visiting Lake Tahoe frequently. Truckee has some cute little shops; what about Reno? Besides the malls, could anyone tell me where the boutiques are? I especially like the thrift shops.

[bigdave01]

Again I am no expert, but California Ave south of downtown has very nice boutique, and some thrift shops. Here is a list of thrift/consignment stores in the Reno area:

http://reno.citysearch.com/search?gcats=110&cats=524

[robertpolyglot]

Hi, as much as I did NOT like Reno, I will have to say that the UNR has a lot of positives going for it. I went as a night time adult student to get a Masters degree and moved away upon finishing, but I can still be observant.

The campus is in a nicer and conveniently located part of town, so you can walk to the casino area to scarf on a buffet, slightly south to the trendier areas near the river such as Wingfield Park, First Avenue and California Avenue. Most students tend to live immediately west of the university.

The campus is a very nice looking campus with a lot of nice traditional as well as modern brick buildings. There is a decent building campaign going on. It seems that students can get a good education if they TRY. In fact, there are some serious flakes going to school here that, if you are a GOOD student, you will do quite well. Teachers appear to be accessible unlike at a 30,000 + student school. I had good teachers and a couple of jerks in the mix, but mostly good teachers. In fact, it is the PERFECT size for a university --- in the mid teens (about 16,000 or so).

Most students are white but there are some minority students. It seems to be a favorite for Japanese exchange students who appear to be friendly and very interested in our Westernized low-density lifestyle. A lot of Northern Californians also show up as they have a "good neighbor" rate for those living in California's eastern counties near the border with Nevada. As you appear to be "traditional" college age, I think you will get a good education and have some fun in the process. And lucky you, you are showing up as the new library and learning center are kicking off and the old library (yech) are being replaced.

Enjoy!

[SHIVER_1414]

A friend of mine just came back to Guadalajara from this university, he was there for a semester, he liked it, he used to party a lot ...

[charm5]

Greetings everyone!

I will be moving to Reno in early March for the USBC Tournament thats held there every years from Detroit. I know NOTHING about the area & need to find local affordable housing close to the national bowling staduim. I was wondering where do most of the UNR students live? any little bit will help for a 20-something female moving to the West coast!

Much appreciated

[bigdave01]

Most UNR students probably live in the area called West University of NW Reno. It is the area just north of downtown and west of UNR. IMO, that would be good choice, it is also walkable to the bowling stadium, or a very easy free bus ride on the Sierra Spirit. The neighborhood is mostly single family homes or duplexes but there are some apartments. You should also look into living downtown.

[schizrade]

Lets just say living on the West Coast will be a bit of a transition for you. Keep an open mind and you will be fine. Nevada is a WORLD away from Ma. Literally. Lots of open spaces and a focus on outdoor living. Hunting, fishing, snow sports, water sports, hiking, biking, etc. The night life is NOTHING like Boston, and to get that you need to go to SF.

Like I said, keep an open mind to the local and regional culture here. It may not be the way you did it in Boston or New England, but that's how we do it here.