Best Place During the CP?

[Climber656]

I am having a hard time deciding where I want to live during my college program. I would love it if everyone who has done a CP could post their thoughts, pros, cons, and any information they have to offer about the different complexes. SO, please! Chime in!

[Joanna71985]

I am having a hard time deciding where I want to live during my college program. I would love it if everyone who has done a CP could post their thoughts, pros, cons, and any information they have to offer about the different complexes. SO, please! Chime in!

I have lived in both Chatham and Patterson. They are both nice. But as of now, I prefer Chatham. For one thing, Patterson is still pretty new and there weren't that many people there last summer. For another, the buses didn't stop at Patterson last summer (and I believe they still don't). This is not fun at all late at night, in the rain, or after you've gone shopping (I have done all 3).

[namara87]

So this is how lazy I am....I found a post I made to another CP board like 2 years ago...this is what I had to say....

I had minimal problems with Vista, besides the occasional loud music coming from loud CP's...but not much besides that. A few minor apt. problems that were easily fixed. I had a lot of friends in Chatham so I did spend a lot of time there...it's nice. If I ever went back I'd request Chatham, but I think both are bearable...but i guess it depends on the person, some of my Chatham friends were scared to come to Vista...lets just say there is a bit more multiculturalism at Vista. If your looking to meet more people, Vista is the place, there's always CP's walking around. Chatham is more quaint, IDK, completely a personal choice.

So since I wrote that I have been back and stayed in Chatham. I liked it. I have to agree with what I said 2 years ago, in that it's completely personal preference. Vista in some respects is closer to Property, and I believe more of the pool parties and events are at Vista (although that may be changing since Chatham and the new complex are right next to eachother). Chatham can be just as loud as Vista...just depends on your roomies and neighbors. If I went for a 3rd CP (lol) I would have not preference of where I stayed...okay maybe I'd lean a bit towards Chatham :rotfl:

I have no opinion on the new complex, as it was being built when I was there....what is the name? I can't think of it, and it's driving me crazy!!! *edit* PATTERSON....thank you!

[Joanna71985]

I have no opinion on the new complex, as it was being built when I was there....what is the name? I can't think of it, and it's driving me crazy!!!

Patterson Court.

[Jules76126]

I lived in Vista and personally I loved it. Yes it is not as new as Chatham or Patterson but when I was there they were doing a lot of the apartments over. I never really had a problem. Was it loud? Sometimes but it really didnt bother me. Were there parties? yes but I also saw parties in Chatham. The best thing to do is just go in with an open mind. If you get Vista dont worry most of the stuff you hear is just stories.

[Sorahana]

Chatham is awesome. I miss it so much! I liked the feel of the apartment, the size (3 bedroom and we had 3 bathrooms, hurray!) and the location. I didn't pick Vista because I'm not a partier and I like being away from things a little bit.

[Scully12]

I liked Chatham. I had a three bedroom apartment (so 6 people) and each bedroom had a bathroom.

My boyfriend lived in a three bredroom in Vista so I was there a lot. It was loud and the apartments had smaller ceilings and bathrooms, which there were only two of.

Personally I liked Chatham much better. I was able to go to parties and hang out at vista all the time but I liked being able to come home to a nicer, quieter apartment when I was tired from working until 2 am

[WhateverLolaWants]

I have no experience with Patterson, so I can't give input on that complex. I lived in Chatham and really enjoyed it - quiet for the most part, though I swear the boys upstairs moved furniture or wrestled late at night. Vista = loud and not as new.

[Climber656]

This is all really good stuff. Can anyone tell me more about Patterson Court? I am really interested in living there. I am a social person, but when it comes down to it, I like piece and quite.

[havie35]

I did the CP in the spring of 2007 and lived in a three bedroom in Vista. I am more of the social and partier type and loved Vista. I got the best roommates one with my interests could hope for. Chatham is a lot more low key than Vista and did not seem like a fun and sociable place to live. A lot of the friends we made from Chatham came to our place in Vista to party because we always had people over and apparently there was not much for them to do in Chatham. One of the girls I knew actually moved from Chatham to Vista because she was so bored over there. I guess some would like a bigger and newer place but it is not like Vista is ancient and gross. I never had any problems with my place. So basically, if you like to socialize and have a good time, live in Vista. If you like a more low key and quiet atmosphere, live in Chatham. I cannot speak for Patterson because it was not even being constructed when I was there (I don't think). I applied for four professional internships that start in January but if I do not get any of them I applied for the CP again as well. I might have to check out Patterson if they are as fun as Vista. Any other people want to give their experience in Patterson and what it is like? I am very interested to hear.

[TTAunload]

I lived in a Vista 3 bedroom my first CP and Chatham 2 bedroom the second time around. I thought that both were good, but since I didn't have a car and didn't like to bum rides from people too often, Vista was more convenient for me. Honestly my Vista apt area was pretty much just as quiet as my Chatham one.

[Joanna71985]

This is all really good stuff. Can anyone tell me more about Patterson Court? I am really interested in living there. I am a social person, but when it comes down to it, I like piece and quite.

Patterson is ok. I stayed there last summer, when it first opened. It was super-quiet (since it is still under construction). Also, the buses don't stop there. So if you don't have a car, it can be a pain.

[fall08CP]

Love Chatham. Would stay here again in a second. I don't have time for partying (so much work and homework!) so it's great to be able to go home and nap whenever I want... get plenty of rest at night. I've heard a lot of things about problems at PC- mail issues, plumbing problems, things that come with a new building. I like chatham over vista because we can walk to publix- I walk there at least once a week because the walmart bus takes FOREVER!!

[Climber656]

Love Chatham. Would stay here again in a second. I don't have time for partying (so much work and homework!) so it's great to be able to go home and nap whenever I want... get plenty of rest at night. I've heard a lot of things about problems at PC- mail issues, plumbing problems, things that come with a new building. I like chatham over vista because we can walk to publix- I walk there at least once a week because the walmart bus takes FOREVER!!

Thats good information to know! How far is the walk from Chatham to publix?

[BWVPam]

My son was accepted into the program a few weeks ago. How do you pick your apartment complex? I know the paperwork he got said he was to report to the Vista Apartments on his first day. Does that mean that is where he will be living, or does he get to tell them he would like another place.

Thanks

[Joanna71985]

My son was accepted into the program a few weeks ago. How do you pick your apartment complex? I know the paperwork he got said he was to report to the Vista Apartments on his first day. Does that mean that is where he will be living, or does he get to tell them he would like another place.

Thanks

Vista is where check-in takes place. At check-in, they ask you which complex you would like to stay in and they try to place you there.

[Scully12]

Thats good information to know! How far is the walk from Chatham to publix?

Beware though Publix is waaaaaaaay over priced. Even though Walmart may take longer its worth it to go there because as much as I hate to say it Walmart really is cheaper. For example a loaf of bread at publix was $1.70 for the cheap generic brand while at Walmart it's only a $1. Lean Cuisine is like $4 each at Publix and Walmart they're like $2.50. It may not seem like a lot right now but it really does add up. I usually spent about $50 on food a week at Walmart but one time I went to Publix and I only got half the food for $40.

[Jules76126]

I always went to Walmart. Yes like others have stated it was a bit longer to get there. However, they had everything in one place. You could buy food and whatever else you needed. And it was much cheaper, although infinitely more crowded. I went to publixs a couple of times just to get little things. But i'll be completely honest. I lived at Vista and I got really lazy by the end of my program (i was there Jan-Aug) and started just buying stuff at Walgreens, yes it was more expensive but it was also much easier.

[Climber656]

I always went to Walmart. Yes like others have stated it was a bit longer to get there. However, they had everything in one place. You could buy food and whatever else you needed. And it was much cheaper, although infinitely more crowded. I went to publixs a couple of times just to get little things. But i'll be completely honest. I lived at Vista and I got really lazy by the end of my program (i was there Jan-Aug) and started just buying stuff at Walgreens, yes it was more ex*****ve but it was also much easier.

It sounds like Walmart is the best choice. where is the closest Walgreen's for emergencies or medicine (or that late night candy/popcorn run for disney movies!)?

[Joanna71985]

It sounds like Walmart is the best choice. where is the closest Walgreen's for emergencies or medicine (or that late night candy/popcorn run for disney movies!)?

There is a Walgreens right across from Vista.

[Climber656]

That's cool. So, I know the apartments are furnished and that the kitchen is stocked with basic kitchenware. Any items that you all would suggest to bring down or buy once I get there?

[Joanna71985]

That's cool. So, I know the apartments are furnished and that the kitchen is stocked with basic kitchenware. Any items that you all would suggest to bring down or buy once I get there?

Well, it all depends on what you need/want down there. A few things I have always brought are:
*a lock for the locker
*a router, which you need for the internet (if you don't have one, and the roomies don't bring one, Walmart sells them)
*warm bedding (for some reason, my roomies have always been generous with the AC. Plus I get cold easily at night)
*Kitchen items like a toaster, coffee machine, ect are not included (if you use these things a lot)
*warm clothing (it does, and can, get cold in FL)
*a bulletin/message board (perfect for posting messages/schedules)

[orangekid13]

*Kitchen items like a toaster, coffee machine, ect are not included (if you use these things a lot)

I'm glad I noticed this, I love my toaster oven, I'll make sure to remember it (for cooking tyson chicken patties mmmmm fast and delicious :p )

[lauraebeth]

bring a blender!!! they don't provide one

[Climber656]

What kitchen appliances do they provide?

[TTAunload]

Microwave, Stove, Dishwasher, Fridge.

A Foreman Grill is good to have too. One of my Roommates brought one and the four of us ended up using it a lot.

[Joanna71985]

What kitchen appliances do they provide?

The basic ones- fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave.

[fall08CP]

Beware though Publix is waaaaaaaay over priced. Even though Walmart may take longer its worth it to go there because as much as I hate to say it Walmart really is cheaper. For example a loaf of bread at publix was $1.70 for the cheap generic brand while at Walmart it's only a $1. Lean Cuisine is like $4 each at Publix and Walmart they're like $2.50. It may not seem like a lot right now but it really does add up. I usually spent about $50 on food a week at Walmart but one time I went to Publix and I only got half the food for $40.

Publix isn't bad if you do the buy one get one frees, which they have every week. You just gotta shop smart. I can do a full shop at publix (meats, veggies, cereal, bread, ice cream :) ) for $40 or less. I thought it was overpriced at first but you gotta look in the right places. Publix is much cleaner and never any lines. :thumbsup2

[fall08CP]

It sounds like Walmart is the best choice. where is the closest Walgreen's for emergencies or medicine (or that late night candy/popcorn run for disney movies!)?

There's one by Vista and one by Chatham/Patterson, both very walkable.

[punkyb87]

bring a blender!!! they don't provide one

Lol THX for posting that because I was wondering if they do. I love my blender.
Do they provide measuring cups and chopping boards? Is there a Dollar Tree near by?

[lauraebeth]

Lol THX for posting that because I was wondering if they do. I love my blender.
Do they provide measuring cups and chopping boards? Is there a Dollar Tree near by?

I wanna say yes to the measuring cup and chopping boards. . .It's been 3 years since my CP. . .and i know my mom bought me a glass Pyrex one when i got there. . .

not sure about dollar tree, but walmart has a lot of inexpensive kitchen stuff

[orangekid13]

I think in any situation similar to being in a dorm it's best to have your own pyrex measuring cup to be able to hog it to boil water for ramen or cocoa or tea...

[lauraebeth]

yea. . .i only had 2 roomies, and in the beginning it was all rainbows and sunshine. so we shared everything, my mom bought us a ton! and we got along and shared everything from stuff in the kitchen to food

[Climber656]

I guess a large run to Walmart at the beginning will be in order. I will just figure out what I need when I get there. I love to cook, so I am sure there is stuff I will need.

[_frazzle]

yea. . .i only had 2 roomies, and in the beginning it was all rainbows and sunshine. so we shared everything, my mom bought us a ton! and we got along and shared everything from stuff in the kitchen to food


lol did you not get along too well after the beginning?

[fmrcp06]

I wanna say yes to the measuring cup and chopping boards. . .It's been 3 years since my CP. . .and i know my mom bought me a glass Pyrex one when i got there. . .

not sure about dollar tree, but walmart has a lot of inexpensive kitchen stuff

There is def a dollar tree.. it's in the same plaza as Target. My roomates and I used to go there to get supplies for parties and bbq's we used to have... when you are broke.. its the place to go for stuff like that!

[Climber656]

There is def a dollar tree.. it's in the same plaza as Target. My roomates and I used to go there to get supplies for parties and bbq's we used to have... when you are broke.. its the place to go for stuff like that!

I love the Dollar tree! The stuff they have there is great if your on a budget. A college students paradise! I definitely need to get together all my recipes. I love to cook and love to cook for friends and such. So gathering up cooking supplies from dollar tree and wal-mart is a must!

[rachelkempf]

So I have a car, so I hope that bringing it will make a difference but in reading all this, I'm torn on where to live, if I get accepted that is. I like the idea of staying in a new(ish) complex, but I also really want to meet new people...

Were the problems as far as inside the apt, not like outside noise, but things being in bad condition, or breaking for example??

[zulemara]

Bring a pizza cutter!!! It makes no sense why a college kid apt complex doesn't provide a pizza cutter!

I lived in Vista my first semester and Chatham my second semester. Vista was definitely more social and has the famous hot tub, which I enjoyed frequently. I moved to Chatham because my friend and I wanted to room together for our second semester. It was fun, but overall much less activity.

I have thought I want to live in Chatham again this time around, but part of me really wants to be more social than I was last time. Noise pretty much never bothers me so I'm not worried about that. I did like the multiple bathrooms at Chatham though. Oh well, I'll figure it out when I get there

[rachelkempf]

yea. . .i only had 2 roomies, and in the beginning it was all rainbows and sunshine. so we shared everything, my mom bought us a ton! and we got along and shared everything from stuff in the kitchen to food

Did you start to not get along later on in the program?

That is one of my big fears, because I've had my own room for so long that I'm almost antsy about sharing space, because I've had bad roommate experiences before, most of the time about money or messes.

[orangekid13]

I know there are inspections to make sure your room is clean(ish), would they have a problem with some sort of a room divider or curtain to provide privacy or block the light from a computer while your roommate is trying to sleep?
If I get accepted I know there's a lot of basketball games that I'm going to want to try to watch live if I'm not working, I'd be watching most of them at home through my computer because of the network they'll be on. I know it was really annoying in the dorms to have the room all lit up by my roommate while I was trying to sleep...
And I like my privacy

[lauraebeth]

Did you start to not get along later on in the program?

That is one of my big fears, because I've had my own room for so long that I'm almost antsy about sharing space, because I've had bad roommate experiences before, most of the time about money or messes.

well yea, one of the girls self-terminated and went home, and then the other got a boyfriend off of myspace, and we got another girl to move in who i thought we'd all get along with since i knew her and what-not, and she started dating the other girls myspace boyfriend's best friend((they're married now)) but while we were there the situation just got messy.

[orangekid13]

I know there are inspections to make sure your room is clean(ish), would they have a problem with some sort of a room divider or curtain to provide privacy or block the light from a computer while your roommate is trying to sleep?
If I get accepted I know there's a lot of basketball games that I'm going to want to try to watch live if I'm not working, I'd be watching most of them at home through my computer because of the network they'll be on. I know it was really annoying in the dorms to have the room all lit up by my roommate while I was trying to sleep...
And I like my privacy

nobody has any idea?

[punkyb87]

I wanna say yes to the measuring cup and chopping boards. . .It's been 3 years since my CP. . .and i know my mom bought me a glass Pyrex one when i got there. . .


not sure about dollar tree, but walmart has a lot of inexpensive kitchen stuff
oh ok cool thk u ...

I guess a large run to Walmart at the beginning will be in order. I will just figure out what I need when I get there. I love to cook, so I am sure there is stuff I will need.
I love to cook too! I can't decide if I am going to bring my cook book or just jot down my fav recipes and google the rest.
There is def a dollar tree.. it's in the same plaza as Target. My roomates and I used to go there to get supplies for parties and bbq's we used to have... when you are broke.. its the place to go for stuff like that!
thk goodness there is a dollar tree! They have pretty much all the lil gadgets you may need for just a dollar. I guess I will be going there for most of my basic kitchen needs and the pizza cutter lol. :woohoo:

[Joanna71985]

I know there are inspections to make sure your room is clean(ish), would they have a problem with some sort of a room divider or curtain to provide privacy or block the light from a computer while your roommate is trying to sleep?
If I get accepted I know there's a lot of basketball games that I'm going to want to try to watch live if I'm not working, I'd be watching most of them at home through my computer because of the network they'll be on. I know it was really annoying in the dorms to have the room all lit up by my roommate while I was trying to sleep...
And I like my privacy

I'm not 100% positive. But I don't recall reading anywhere that this would be a problem. As long as it doesn't put big holes into the walls, I am going to guess it would be fine.

[orangekid13]

I'm not 100% positive. But I don't recall reading anywhere that this would be a problem. As long as it doesn't put big holes into the walls, I am going to guess it would be fine.

I would probably rig up some pieces of wood or pipe with a piece of threaded rod so I could expand it between the floor and ceiling (with a nice soft foot at the top) to keep it in place, then attach curtains to that... so there wouldn't be ANY holes in the walls.
I just want to take steps to try and get along with my roommate and lit computer monitors at night is not the way to do that, and I like being able to close my door and be alone in my room now that I'm out of the dorms and curtains are the best alternative I might have there