It’s last minute. You are trying to find a roommate (or not) and you have not decided where to live in Durham during your MMS program. At least that was the case with me last year. I had checked multiple resources online but I had no clear image, as I had not been to Durham before.

It’s ideal if you have the opportunity to visit the complex or apartment in which you are interested. However since I did not, I counted on what was online, including this blog, and was also encouraged to search other or new apartment complexes based on what I heard from my incoming class Facebook group.

Now, after living here for almost a year, I can provide some additional insight into where MMS students live that might help your own housing research. Please note that the details provided below are not everything an apartment complex has to offer, and so the links are provided for your own convenience and research.

Heights at Lasalle

I could say that at least 40% of the MMS ’15 students lived there. Me too. This apartment complex (pictured above) is just a year or two old. It is gated, has a clubhouse with a gym, free internet, free coffee and breakfast on weekdays, and of course lots of parking spots. I would say this was the main hub of social activities among the MMS Students—and it was great to have a lot of people in one location. The apartment has a very nice pool and excellent staff who are very responsive (from my experience). Also pets are allowed. You can choose between two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments (as I did when I found a roommate) or a one-bedroom/one-bathroom apartment instead. It is walking distance from Fuqua.

The Belmont

The Belmont is also popular among MMS students and I could also say that about 40% of the class of 2015 lived there. It is located on the other side of the road opposite Heights at Lasalle and its two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment choice is very popular among MMSers (one-bedroom/one-bathroom apartments are also available). It has a gym, a pool and a clubhouse, but also a lake where you can take strolls. It is walking distance from Fuqua as well.

Lofts at Lakeview

The Lofts are also a social hub for Duke students and a luxurious apartment complex. It’s also gated and has many amenities including a conference room, two resort-style pools with Wi-Fi, internet café, 24-hour fitness club, coffee and tea bar, and PlayStation room. One- and two-bedroom apartments are available. While it is located in walking distance from Fuqua, it is also close to many restaurants such as Chipotle, TGIFridays and Enzo’s Pizzeria.

Trinity Commons at Erwin

Trinity Commons is also closely located to the aforementioned restaurants and consequently, walking distance to Fuqua. These apartments are both one- and two-bedroom. Trinity Commons follows an eco-friendly approach throughout its property. Amenities include, but are not limited to, an outdoor and indoor pool, sauna, steam rooms and whirlpool/hot tub, a billiards room, a yoga exercise space, valet waste services and even a dry cleaning pick-up.

Station Nine

Station Nine is where some MMSers chose to live, however this is clearly a place dominated by Fuqua’s MBA students. It offers both one- and two-bedroom apartments. Compared to all other complexes, it is located farther from Fuqua. If you do not have a car you can still live there as the H5 bus, which has a stop close by, takes you directly to Fuqua.

Holly Hill Apartments

The complex features spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. The interiors have been updated and several have been completely renovated to give them a more contemporary look. All of the apartments are carpeted, feature fashionable light fixtures, window treatments, dishwashers, plentiful storage space, and motion alarms. The two- and three-bedroom apartments also come with a space-saver microwaves and several units have small dens located by the living room. The complex is also a walking distance from Fuqua.

Campus Walk & Poplar West (Trinity Properties Apartments)

These places have two-bedroom and three-bedroom options and some MMSers lived there as well this year. It is also walking distance from Fuqua. These apartments are less expensive compared to other complexes, have been recently remodeled, include appliances and provide a pet-friendly environment.

Blue Crest Apartments

All of the apartments have two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. They include interior amenities (refrigerator, dishwasher, trash disposal, stove, washing machine and dryer) and are perfect for families or two roommates, as each tenant has his or her own private bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. Blue Crest Apartments are located within walking distance to Fuqua.

Partner’s Place

Units at Partner’s Place have three bedrooms, each with a ceiling fan, walk-in closet, and private bath and shower. Each unit has a sun room with French doors, separate dining room, sky lights (third floor) and carpeted and/or hardwood floors. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen and a segregated enclosed area with washer and dryer, while each condominium has cable connections and high-speed DSL internet access. Rent also includes ‘resident-only’ on-site parking plus water and sewage utilities. Apartments can come furnished or unfurnished.

MMS: DKU Housing

While all my MMS: FOB classmates lived off campus, my MMS: DKU classmates were the first to go through the program and had the unique opportunity to live on campus during their terms at Fuqua. Their apartments were located in Duke’s Central Campus and students were paired with roommates. However, on campus housing was not mandatory for these MMS: DKU students, so they were free to explore all the other aforementioned options off campus. This situation might change in the years to come, so check with the admissions department for updates.

Additional Resources

One very useful resource is Duke’s Student Affairs site and their materials like this apartment report.

Please be aware that my list here does not contain the only housing options available to incoming MMSers. However, these were the most popular for my class that lived here from 2014 to 2015. And Durham is growing quickly, so new apartments are being built all the time.

Happy apartment hunting!