University Crossings Apartments: A Comprehensive Review of Student Living in Philadelphia

University Crossings (UCross) Apartments, located in Philadelphia, offer student housing near Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. Situated close to the 30th Street Station, a central transportation hub for Amtrak and SEPTA, UCross provides convenient access to the city and surrounding areas. This article delves into the various aspects of University Crossings, including its features, amenities, location, and overall living experience, to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective residents.

Key Features and Amenities

Apartment Features

University Crossings offers well-furnished shared and single rooms in 2-bedroom (2B) and 3-bedroom (3B) apartments. These apartments are designed to provide both privacy and social space for students. Key features include:

Furnishings: Apartments come with 2" wood-style blinds, leather-style sectional sofas, and hardwood-style flooring, creating a comfortable living environment.
High-Speed Internet: G2B® high-speed internet, with speeds up to 1Gbps, ensures easy internet access for academic and personal needs.
Fully Equipped Kitchens: Kitchens feature granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, making meal preparation convenient.
Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities eliminate the need to leave the building for laundry services.
Ample Storage: Walk-in closets provide plenty of storage space for residents.

Community Amenities

University Crossings provides a range of community amenities designed to enhance the daily lives of its residents:

All-Inclusive Rent: Rent includes heat, gas, electric, high-speed internet access, trash admin fee, water, and sewer fees, simplifying budgeting for students.
Health and Recreation: A 24-hour recreation center offers billiards, ping pong, and arcade games. A multimedia area with gaming systems provides social entertainment. The 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center caters to fitness enthusiasts. The housing also organizes educational, social, and recreational activities to promote community engagement.
Study Facilities: The Academic Success Center, equipped with iMacs and free printing, assists students with their assignments. Private study areas and group study lounges offer spaces for focused individual and group work.
Safety and Service: University Crossings is professionally managed and provides efficient services to ensure students' safety. It is a limited-access community within the Drexel Patrol Zone. The community offers a 24-hour courtesy desk, 24-hour on-call staff, community assistant staff, on-site management and maintenance, and courtesy patrol officers. Individual liability leases and roommate matching services are also available.

Location and Accessibility

Proximity to Universities

University Crossings is ideally located for students attending Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania:

Drexel University: A 4-minute walk
University of Pennsylvania: A 12-minute walk

Restaurants and Shopping

The location of University Crossings provides easy access to a variety of dining and shopping options:

Restaurants: Nearby restaurants include Cucina Zapata, LaScala's FIRE-University City, Chick-fil-A, and Sang Kee Noodle House, all within a 10-minute walk.
Supermarkets and Shopping Malls: GIANT Heirloom Market and Shops at Arrive University City are approximately 0.3 miles away.

Cultural Attractions

For those interested in local cultural history, the Penn Museum is a 13-minute walk from University Crossings.

Transportation

University Crossings is close to the central transportation hub, making travel convenient:

Philadelphia JFK & N. 30th St: A 5-minute walk, providing access to bus routes.
Nearby Stations: 30th Street Station, 33rd Street Station, and 34th Street Station.

Room Options and Pricing

University Crossings offers a variety of room types to suit different needs and budgets. Starting prices (subject to change) include:

Room in 2 Bed - 1 Bath A: \$909/month
Room in 2 Bed - 1 Bath C: \$919/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath A: \$934/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath E: \$954/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath C Shared Standard: \$959/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath G: \$959/month
Room in 2 Bed - 1.5 Bath: \$959/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath D: \$979/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath C Shared Deluxe: \$984/month
Room in 3 Bed - 3 Bath: \$1,009/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath B: \$1,054/month
Room in 2 Bed - 1 Bath B: \$1,379/month
Room in 2 Bed - 1 Bath D: \$1,379/month
Room in 2 Bed - 1 Bath C Private: \$1,519/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath A Private: \$1,669/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath C Private Deluxe: \$1,769/month
Room in 2 Bed - 2 Bath F: \$959/month

Safety and Security Measures

University Crossings prioritizes the safety and security of its residents through several measures:

Located within the Drexel Police Patrol Zone.
24/7 CCTV surveillance.
Smart door entry systems.
On-site support team.

American Campus Communities (ACC) and University-Affiliated Housing

University Crossings is managed by American Campus Communities (ACC), a leading provider of academically oriented student communities. ACC focuses on creating a supportive living environment for students.

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Key Features of ACC Management:

Peer-to-Peer Mental Wellness Support: Staff is trained in peer-to-peer mental wellness support and offers programs in partnership with the Hi, How Are You Project.
Individual Leases: Residents are only responsible for their rent, not their roommates'.
Furnished Units: Nearly all ACC properties offer fully furnished units at no extra fee.
Guarantor Requirement: A guarantor is typically required to sign a guaranty agreement.
Recurring Payments: Residents can set up recurring payments for convenience.
Lease Term: The typical lease term is approximately 11.5 months, coinciding with the university's academic calendar.
Landlord Legal Liability (LLL) Insurance: Residents are required to obtain minimum coverage of \$100,000 in LLL insurance.

Roommate Matching Program

ACC offers a roommate matching program powered by RoomSync, an app that allows residents to create personal profiles, search, filter, chat, and match with potential roommates.

Comparison with Other Housing Options

When considering housing options near Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, it's helpful to compare University Crossings with other alternatives such as:

Drexel Upperclassmen Dorms: Caneris Hall and North Hall are two upperclassmen dorms covered under Drexel tuition. These dorms offer communal kitchens, study lounges, and free laundry facilities.
Stiles Hall: Primarily housing Drexel's graduate students, Stiles Hall offers furnished and unfurnished apartments with full kitchens and bathrooms.
Chestnut Square: Another American Campus Communities property, Chestnut Square offers two, three, and four-bedroom options with various amenities.
The Summit at University City: A newer housing option with one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments.

Reviews and Concerns

While University Crossings generally receives positive reviews, potential residents should be aware of some common concerns associated with student housing in Philadelphia:

Fire Drills: Frequent fire drills have been reported at University Crossings.
Maintenance Issues: As with any apartment complex, maintenance issues can arise.
Noise Levels: Noise from nearby establishments can be a concern.
Cost: While University Crossings is considered to have competitive rent compared to other options like Chestnut Square and The Summit, it is still an expense to consider.

Payment Policies

University Crossings offers flexible payment options:

Security Deposit: Required.
Installment Plans: 12 flexible installment plans are available.
Mode of Payment: Payments can be made via easy transaction modes.
Cancellation Policies: Check the specific policies as cooling-off periods may not be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a guarantor required? Yes, all residents typically require a guarantor. If a resident is not of legal age to execute a contract, the guarantor must sign both the lease and guaranty agreement. A resident can act as their own guarantor if they can show documentation of income greater than three times the rental installment.
Are utility bills included in the rent? Yes, University Crossings offers all-inclusive rent, covering heat, gas, electric, high-speed internet access, trash admin fee, water, and sewer.
What is the lease term? The typical lease term is approximately 11.5 months, coinciding with the university's academic calendar.
Is insurance required? Yes, all residents must obtain a minimum coverage of \$100,000 in Landlord Legal Liability insurance.
How does roommate matching work? University Crossings uses RoomSync, a roommate matching app, to help residents find compatible roommates.

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