Lancaster Commons

Pros:
Apts are new and clean.

It is only a 5mins drive to Fuqua and Duke provides a shuttle.

Apply through Duke and the rent is subsidized by Duke, which includes all utilities (internet, water, cable, parking, gym, electricity, etc.). No application fees, security deposit, or insurance fees needed.

Cons:
The amenities, pool, gym, and common areas, are not fancy like the ones you would get elsewhere, but I personally don't see the value of having extra fancy spaces.

It is not gated, meaning anyone could come on the premises, but there is Duke police on the premises 24/7.

New apartment and appliances, really comfortable. Location is a bit isolated (you need a car to get to groceries stores, etc). However there’s a free shuttle that takes you to Fuqua.

Lancaster Commons= One of 2 Duke University housing properties. It is a bit far from campus but shuttle is offered every 25 mins this year.

I do not recommend this housing for a 1 bed/1 bathroom because the units can have some problems (far from campus/ other student housing, insects since it is close to the forest, very thin walls so noise can be a problem, very very few amenities, almost no social life except 1 event so far, units are spaced so it is difficult to meet neighbors, basic swimming pool and very very small gym) compared to the other complex like B9, Belmont, and price are comparable.

However, if you have roomates, prices can be significantly lower compared to the other properties mentioned above, so it can be a very good deal.

I enjoy living here, all things considered. It’s pretty safe, there’s lots of nature around, and the rent is really good for Durham.

Clean, organized and quiet. About 20 mins walk to Ross, Target and Sam's Club. You'd probably appreciate living here more if you had a car though. It's not close to popular stores like Walmart and COSTCO. Otherwise, it's honestly a great place to live as a Duke student.