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As the only apartment-style living on campus, Heritage Commons is home to many second, third and fourth-year students. After opening to students in fall 2005, Heritage Commons now accommodates 430 students.
According to Larry Fink, assistant vice president of housing and auxiliaries, Miami University wanted to offer a different style of housing for upper-class students, and Heritage Commons provides a modern, convenient and independent living experience.
Located near the Recreational Sports Center, Heritage Commons offers services such as weekly housekeeping and parking along with close proximity to campus, said Jack Trump, Heritage Commons apartment director. The majority of the apartments include four bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen and a common area.
Even though students live in apartments, university policies are still enforced.
"We have a close partnership with the Miami University Police Department (MUPD)," Trump said.
Trump said the rules regarding alcohol are the same as in other upperclassman residence halls.
"If you're 21 and following the policies in the student handbook, you're good to go," Trump said.
Similar to residence halls on campus, Heritage Commons has six resident assistants (RA). However, Trump said there is not an RA in every building and they are not required to be in the complex when on duty. According to Trump, the RAs must be in the Oxford area and carry a cell phone in case a resident needs assistance. He also said he recommends they be in their apartment building by 10 p.m. during their one-week-long shifts.
When Heritage Commons opened in 2005, there were no RAs. According to Trump, Miami quickly realized a single apartment director could not oversee and tend to the entire complex.
"I think we're growing, working out the bugs," Trump said. "If you ask the residents, I would say majority are very satisfied with their experience."
Junior Jessica Linden said she chose to live in Heritage Commons because she is on campus, does not have to share a bedroom and likes the style of the new development.
"You get to live with people but also have your own space and independence, unlike a dorm," Linden said.
Although she considers her rent of around $4,000 per semester expensive, she said it is worth the money because utilities are included and the apartments are nice and fully furnished.
According to Fink, a market survey indicated the cost of Heritage Commons is comparable to other housing with similar accommodations and amenities. He also said Heritage Commons is financially self-sustaining.
"The revenues it generates cover all the expenses," he said. "The extra money is put in a reserve account for future maintenance and repairs."
As of now, 83 percent of the 358 beds already filled are claimed by juniors and seniors. Heritage Commons has 430 beds in total. Despite the demand, Fink said Miami has no plans to build more apartments on campus.
"We're still studying the options at this point," Fink said. "We're looking into renovating and building residence halls, but there won't be more apartments."
