With all of the available housing options already in Ames, one would think students already had plenty to choose from. But all around Ames, new apartment buildings are popping up virtually in the blink of an eye, with signs and advertisements telling of their wonderful amenities and modern appliances.

These newer apartment complexes come equipped with everything a college student could wish for, from swimming pools to fitness centers. But at what cost to the university and to students is this new construction taking place?

Iowa State’s Department of Residence has already developed a Master Plan for creating more up-to-date housing facilities with amenities to attract students back to on-campus living. Besides the creation of Eaton Hall and a new Union Drive Community Center, more suite-style housing is slated for construction in the near future. This is what students have been clamoring for, and the university deserves to have students filling the buildings constructed for them as a reward for paying attention to students’ interests and needs.

If students aren’t utilizing the good things the university provides them, the university may suffer as a result, and lost money, as all students know, affects tuition increases and quality of education.

Also, the high cost of these new off-campus housing options to students could set any college student’s budget awry. Ev Cochrane and Associates’ latest construction foray will, besides becoming the tallest privately-owned building in Ames, also have spiral staircases and outdoor decks — matched with a hefty price tag of $350—$450 per bedroom per month. How many college students can afford that on a reasonable budget? Students need housing options they can feasibly afford.

Off-campus rental housing may have an advantage over on-campus housing because some students perceive living off campus as “cooler,” but with new structures being built at lightning speed, the quality of these buildings could and should be called into question.

When Cyclone Plaza (also courtesy of Ev Cochrane) was built, it was hailed as wonderful, ultra-modern and up-scale housing for students. But when residents first moved in, they found cement floors in their living rooms, paper-thin walls and bedroom doors with windows — no privacy there. Not exactly what students expected for the $400+ – per – month price tag.

If students can’t cough up the money to inhabit the new apartments the new student housing boom in Ames could well turn into a bust.

Having buildings standing half-full to nearly empty isn’t efficient for anyone in the community.