Crowne Oaks, located down Bethabara road off of University Parkway, is the easiest of the three Crowne properties to access from campus. Like the other Crownes, Croaks is a gated community with about 15 buildings containing single, double and triple bedroom apartments.

Clare Stanton/Old Gold & Black

Each unit has a common living space, bathrooms and a kitchen. The layouts are basic and relatively spacious, but make sure you request one of the newly renovated buildings (ex. the 1100 building has not been updated and has kitchens reminiscent of the one in Fight Club).

Some units have fireplaces and all include a patio area. The rooms are large enough to have at least a full size bed along with a desk, armchair, bookshelves and chest of drawers. Closets are laid out strangely but are fairly large.

The residents of Crowne Oaks are mostly Wake Forest students, although there are a couple of small families living there too. The large population of Wake kids results in a pretty visible party scene.

Be prepared to have beer bottles smashed on your parking space on any given Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. There will be after parties happening in your building.

You will have pledge driver headlights shining in your window at 4 a.m. If you want a quiet, out of the way place to live, then head over to Crowne Polo.

That being said, the upside to Crowne Oaks is that you are also very likely to know your neighbors. The open, outward facing patios are a great place to hang out when the weather is warm and you will absolutely be conversing with the people next door.

Additionally, there is a common area at the clubhouse that includes a tennis court, gym and swimming pool that are available to all residents. The pool attracts everyone as soon as the weather gets warm and it is always a fun time to hang out with a bunch of Wake kids on a Saturday afternoon. Alcohol is allowed poolside as long as it is not in a glass bottle and there are grills available if you want to cook out.

There’s usually plenty of parking if you have a car and if not, there is a Wake Line shuttle that runs during the week so you can get to class easily. Crowne Oaks is a great alternative to an off campus house with its affordable rent, easy access and community feeling.

If you’re still unsure as to whether Crowne Oakes is the place for you, don’t forget to check the school website for more information and to simply ask your fellow students because somebody you know probably knows somebody who has partied or slept over there before.