The Oaks Near Capacity for 2010-11

The Oaks, Meredith’s apartments for juniors and seniors, will be at 96% capacity when students move in this August. Approximately 235 students will call The Oaks home during the 2010-11 academic year.

The first new residential construction at Meredith since the 1970s, The Oaks opened in August 2009. The Oaks will generate enough revenue to meet all its direct costs in the next budget year, which is at least one year ahead of schedule.

Residents of The Oaks say they have enjoyed the convenience of living in on-campus apartments.

“I was excited to move in to my new apartment and living here has been better than I ever expected,” Katherine Thomas, ’11. “I love the freedoms that come with living in The Oaks while still being able to walk to class or on-campus activities. I would definitely recommend living in the apartments to any student who is interested. Living here is so much fun and so convenient.”

Brittany M. Phelps, ’11, said living in The Oaks last year was even better than she expected.

“I have really enjoyed having the extra space and the added facilities, and a full kitchen has really been a lot of fun this year as we have tried to learn how to cook something other than ramen,” Phelps said. “We still have that sense of community on our halls and floors, but there is a little more privacy and space.”
 
Sarah Wheeler, ’11, said in addition to being able to stay involved in the Meredith community, The Oaks residents have created their own community.
 
“I love that fact that we, The Oaks residents, are still a part of Meredith’s community, but we are our own community as well,” Wheeler said. “We have special events just for the women living in the apartments, and even some of our rules and policies are a little different than those in the residence halls. It makes living in The Oaks special, it makes it home.”

Rachel Karaman said she and her apartment-mates have created a mini-family while living in The Oaks.

“We all get along great and are best friends. Living with friends has been the highlight of the year,” said Karaman.
 
Among the residents of The Oaks will be a number of student leaders.
 
“For the second year in a row after a long hiatus, both the senior class president and the SGA president will be living on campus in The Oaks,” said Residence Life Director Heidi LeCount. “Having student leaders live on campus as juniors and seniors was a major part of Meredith’s decision to build on-campus apartments.”

About The Oaks
The Oaks contains 48 four bedroom/two bath units and 30 two bedroom/two bath units. Each unit is completely furnished, with living, dining and bedroom furniture, and appliances including washers and dryers. In keeping with Meredith’s commitment to sustainability, the apartments were built in an environmentally friendly manner; the project earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Visit www.meredith.edu/apartments for more information.