On one hand, the location is great. On the other, we have a recurrent rodent problem and neighbors can be noisy. Management is not effective.

The Berkshire is close to AU and is one of the most affordable options in the area. The location is very convenient, being walkable from campus, metro, a supermarket, and having a bus route right by the complex (even if it only runs every half hour).

The amenities aren't anything special, but access to a small gym and a (though overpriced) convenience store that's good for emergencies is nice.

As the complex is mostly populated by AU undergrad students, it can get loud on Friday and Saturday nights especially, though management tries to respond to complaints.

The pest problem is impossible to get rid of due to the building's garbage system, but I have found that keeping a clean kitchen and managing personal garbage well keeps roaches a fairly rare sight.

Overall the Berkshire is not an incredibly stunning living space in any way, but the location and manageable price for the area make it a satisfying option for anyone who cares more about price and efficiency than luxury.

Fine for first apt

The Berkshire does everything an AU student might need - and is in an unbeatable location.
However, we've struggled with an often sloppy and unresponsive management team.

Close to campus.

The usual problems living in a large apartment complex - some pests, thin walls, etc.

It's a 5 minutes walk to AU campus. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than living in the dorms. You will run into classmates and professors in the building all the time. Makes it so easy if you want to party with them. The building is old but the elevators are fast.

I have been living in the Berks for over 3 years now and just recently upgrade my 1 bedroom apartment to 2 bedroom to get more space. I had no complaint about living here as the location is quite safe and easily accessible to bus routes as well as 5 minutes walk to American University, which is a huge plus for AU students in general. There is also a free school shuttle bus that takes you to Tenleytown metro and local shops. This building also has a mini convenient store right in the basement so you'll not have to worry when running of foods! Maintenance overall is quite responsive and provides good services within 24 hours. As I live on the 8th floor, there's also plenty of sunlights and fresh air. Though it's located on Massachusetts Avenue, I barely hear any street noise. Overall, I have no regrets living here in the last 3 years!

Close to campus, utilities included, most of your friends probably live there. It's like living in the dorms without the rules & you get a whole apartment. Kind of far from downtown DC, but it's good if you go to AU & you can get the bus across the street. There's a Giant and a few restaurants within walking distance and Tenleytown isn't far off either - or you can take the AU shuttle to Tenley. They're renovating, so prices and quality are probably both going up. Not a ton of amenities. The Berks store has been in-and-out of business over the past few years it seems, maybe just because they moved spaces. Also, you can park for free in the lot but sometimes it's full - if you want a guaranteed space, you have to pay monthly for a spot in the garage.

The maintenance staffs are quite good and helpful.
I think the building is very safe. And parking is really good.
The only thing that I don't like is I see bugs appearing once a while.
And the lighting is not very good.
There is one store on the A1 level , but I think they charge far higher for groceries than they should.

Berks is only a less 10 minutes walk from American University. It is way cheaper than living on campus. For AU students, this is a very nice place to live. However, if you can't stand smelly hall ways and gym, you might want to reconsider it. The building is full of young college students, most of them are friendly. Enjoy your stay!