You’ve just settled into your new apartment where you will be living for the school year. The excitement of your college semester starting is probably the main thing on your mind. However, it is also the time to be thinking about where you will live next school year.
What to look for
There are many things to consider when deciding on your next apartment. It may be tempting to pick an apartment closest to your favorite coffee shop or hang out, but there are a lot of other deciding factors. First, how close is the property to campus? The costs associated with having to drive to campus everyday can add up, especially if you want to park on campus. Second, try to find a place close to a grocery or convenience store. Eating out every night is tempting but gets costly.
Then there is the thing most people think of; how expensive is rent? Your monthly rent is an important thing to consider, but equally important is what utilities are included. An apartment charging only $300 per month may sound like a steal, until you find out heat, water and electric are all extra. Many Schwab properties include some if not all utilities in the monthly rent. This is not only cheaper, but allows you to estimate your monthly expenses without worry of how much utilities will jump month to month.
Finally, make sure the property you’re looking at fits your needs in terms of space and whether you like the layout. While you will probably be spending a lot of time out of the apartment, you want to be comfortable on those long nights of studying.
Start looking now!
Showings of 2016 campus properties typically start in September. This means if there’s a property you have your eyes on for next year, you’ll want to be ready to sign up within the first couple of weeks. If you don’t have a place picked out yet, you can view tons of Schwab campus properties at this here. Just keep in mind the above tips, and you’ll be signed up for your dream campus property in no time!
When you’re living on campus, it’s important to know what places you can reasonably walk to. In some cases, students away from home simply don’t have the luxury of having their car with them. In others, it is simply too expensive to drive everywhere. Below are some places within a mile of campus for food and entertainment.
Food Students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh are lucky to have the amount of food options available within walking distance. A short 5 minute walk takes you to Wisconsin Avenue where you can find multiple restaurants.
Mahoney’s Restaurant & Bar: Mahoney’s in Oshkosh is hands down some of the best food in town. With outdoor seating, fantastic Friday fish fries and Chef’s night each Saturday; Mahoney’s is an absolutely must-try!
Bangkok Thai Cuisine: If pizza and sandwiches aren’t your deal, you can also find Bangkok Thai Cuisine within the same block. Give it a shot the next time you want something delicious you can walk to.
Niko’s Gyros: Niko’s is yet another Oshkosh staple. Nestled just behind Toppers, Niko’s Gyros serves up some of the best gyros in town at very reasonable prices. They also have chicken pitas, burgers and other sandwiches. Oh, and don’t forget the cajun fries! Open from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, and late night hours the rest of the week, Niko’s is the place to go for an affordable and delicious meal.
Lou’s Brew Cafe and Lounge: A newer addition to the Wisconsin Ave group of restaurants is Lou’s Brew. They offer unique grilled cheeses along with fresh baked goods, soups and salads, along with an awesome selection of beverages ranging from fresh brewed specialty coffees and teas, to craft beer and hot chocolate. If you’re looking for some more upscale food, stop in at Lou’s Brews, open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More food within walking distance: Big Apple Bagels, Toppers Pizza, Papa John’s, Subway, Erbert & Gerbert’s, Jimmy John’s, Jade Dragon and more!
Entertainment
Students at UW Oshkosh are also lucky in that within a mile of campus there are plenty of places to be entertained. These places are a little farther away, and many are downtown. Remember to always be safe and walk with a friend or a group at night.
Oshkosh Public Museum: Located on Algoma Blvd on the corner of Highway 21, the Oshkosh Public Museum is a fun place to go if you’re into any kind of history. The museum is within in a historic victorian-era home, worth the visit in itself. See exhibitions about the history of the area, as well as special traveling exhibitions that are constantly changing. With your valid student I.D., it’s only $5 for an afternoon of history.
Paine Art Center & Gardens: Kitty-corner to the museum is the Paine Art Center & Gardens. It is described as a historic English-country-style estate with beautifully displayed gardens and a constantly changing art gallery. This place is perfect for fans of art, gardens or architecture. Admission is a little more pricey at $14, so if you go, plan on spending as much time as possible.
Grand Opera House: The Grand Opera House is located on High Ave., a block west of Main Street. This historic opera house brings in entrainment of all kinds year round. The inside of the building is worth a visit in itself, but keep an eye on the ever changing schedule for plays, concerts and special events.
The Backlot Comedy Club: If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, check out the Backlot Comedy Club located on Main Street, half a block north of Algoma Blvd. They offer improv comedy every weekend, along with stand up performances and acting classes. Shows are at 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, and students can get in for $8 with a valid student I.D.
Shops
There is no shortage of places to shop within walking distance of campus, and the variety ensures there’s something for anyone. As with entertainment, many of the shops are located downtown, so remember to be safe when walking at night.
Flying Phoenix Games: For the gamers out there Flying Phoenix games, located on the corner of High Ave. and Market Street has everything you could need. From card games to board games and everything in between, this is the place to go if you’re looking for an awesome game night in the dorm.
Satori Imports: A popular store for many, Satori Imports is located on Main Street, just north of Algoma Blvd. They offer a unique selection of clothing, decorations, incense and jewelry, just to list a few. The friendly and helpful staff make it a friendly and unique shopping experience.
The Exclusive Company: The Exclusive Company has been a local stop for music and media aficionados for years. It is located on the corner of Main Street and Washington Ave. This historic independent music store sells and trades new and used music, movies and games. They also have car and home audio products. If you love music or movies, this place is for you.
Paper Tiger Bookstore: Located on Main Street, just north of Algoma Blvd, the Paper Tiger Bookstore has a large selection of books, magazines and graphic novels as well as toys, puzzles and greeting cards. Part of the independent Book World chain, Paper Tiger has everything for the avid reader and will also place custom orders.
More shops and entertainment within walking distance: Soiree Urban Gifts, Dream by Thimke Jewelers.
As you can see, there are tons of places to see and things to do within a 15 minute walk of campus, and this list is by no means complete. So go for a walk and make some new discoveries, but as always, stay safe!
GoTransit in Oshkosh and Neenah has convenient and affordable stops across Oshkosh and Neenah. GoTransit has bus stops within walking distance of nearly every Oshkosh resident and business; from food, shopping, hospitals and entertainment.
Rout 1: Bowen/Hazel – The Bowen/Hazel rout rout runs through Oshkosh’s Northside with stops near Aurora Health Center off Bowen, and Menominee Park. Click here for map.
Rout 2: Main/Jackson – The Main/Jackson rout has many stops throughout Oshkosh’s historic downtown. Stops include Pick n’ Save, Walgreens, Planet Fitness, Cherry Berry and other fast food restaurants. This rout also runs through downtown’s many pubs, grills and bars. Click here for map.
Rout 3: FVTC/New York – The FVTC/New York rout is perfect for hitting up the public library, river front Titan Stadium and FVTC. Click here for map.
Rout 4: Murdock/Logan – The Murdock/Logan route takes you out the north side of Jackson street to many of the residential neighborhoods in Oshkosh’s Northside. Convenient stops include county park, St. Vincent De Paul and other Oshkosh thrift stores. Click here for map.
Rout 5: UWO/Westowne – The UWO/Westowne rout stretches all the over to Oshkosh’s west side with stops including Pollock Community Pool, DMV and Oshkosh Public Museum. Click here for map.
Rout 6: Witzel/9th – The Witzle/9th rout will take you through the heart of Oshkosh including the movie theatre, Walmart, A&W, and more of Oshkosh’s fantastic shopping and restaurants. Click here for map.
Rout 7: Washburn/Koeller – Just like the Witzel/9th rout, Washburn/Koeller takes you right through the center of Oshkosh in the other direction. Head over to Ford Festival field, EAA and more. Click here for map.
Rout 8: 20th/South Park – The 20th/South Park route is where you’ll find the many homes of your favorite Oshkosh folk. Stop and check out fishing, tennis and basketball at South Park and Ardy & Ed’s 50’s style drive-in just a couple blocks off 20th. Click here for map.
Rout 9: Oakwood – The Oskwood rout will give you direct access to Mercy Oakwood hospital, the YMCA, the Outlet Mall and Walmart. Click here for map.
Rout 10: Neenah – The Neenah rout connects the cities of Oshkosh and Neenah. Intercity fares apply. Click here for map.
Oshkosh is a great place to live, work and entertain. And the best part is, transportation is the least of your worries! Wherever you want to go, let GoTransit take you! For questions about the best places to see and explore in and around Oshkosh, stay tuned to the Schwab blog!
#1. Waterfest: Come and enjoy Oshkosh’s new River Walk from the sensational Leach Amphitheater Enjoy main street shops and some dock side dining while walking to an outstanding line-up of Jazz, Pop, Rock, R&B, Blues and Roots Music every Thursday. http://www.waterfest.org/index.html
#2. Hiking:
Wiowash Trail: Trails are complete and can be used for 41 miles of biking, walking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Trail Information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/wiouwash/
#4. Museum: Learn about the history of aviation at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Air Venture Museum
Museum Details: https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa-museum
#5. Freaky Food:
Feeling adventurous? Try a bison burger or a black bear burger at Terry’s Bar on Main Street Menu
#6. Comedy:
Check out improv comedy every weekend, stand up, and private event entertainment!
Show Details Here: http://www.thebacklotcomedyhouse.com/
You’ve just settled into your new apartment where you will be living for the school year. The excitement of your college semester starting is probably the main thing on your mind. However, it is also the time to be thinking about where you will live next school year.
