The Best Four

The Texas A&M Housing Hustle: Unexpected Dorm Plans & Why Students Secure Houses YEARS in Advance

In this episode, Laura sits down with Bailey, a senior at Texas A&M, to talk about her housing journey through four years in College Station. After attending the Texas A&M vs. Alabama football game her senior year of high school and watching the Aggies pull off the win, Bailey took it as a sign, submitted her application that same week, and ultimately made College Station home. Bailey shares how her freshman housing plans completely changed when she couldn’t get a dorm with her intended roommate, ultimately landing in a single room in Walton Hall. What initially felt like a setback became one of the best things that could have happened when she met two of her best friends across the hall. From there, she takes us through living in her sorority house sophomore year and navigating the extremely competitive process of finding a house in the Historic District for junior and senior year. In this episode, we cover: Navigating freshman dorms at Texas A&M Living alone in Walton Hall and making friends freshman year Northside vs. Southside dorms at Texas A&M Fish Camp and some of Bailey’s favorite Aggie traditions Reality of living in a sorority house sophomore year Why so many upperclassmen want to live in the Historic District How early students really start looking for houses in College Station Why your college experience depends on how willing you are to put yourself out there Daydreamer Cafe Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of The Jay in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside The Jay’s leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @thejaycollegestation on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. The Jay The Jay is a new student apartment opening near Texas A&M College Station in Fall 2027. With floorplan options ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments, there is a layout for every lifestyle and roommate group. Designed with Aggies in mind, The Jay combines Texan warmth with luxury amenities that make it easy to balance school and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a jumbotron, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. The Heights The Heights is a premier student apartment located just a short drive away from Texas A&M College Station. With floorplan options ranging from two to five bedrooms, there is plenty of space for every kind of roommate group. Recently renovated with Texas A&M students in mind, The Heights offers upgraded amenities that make it easy to balance studying and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a hot tub and jumbotron, a brand-new pickleball court, a dedicated study lounge and an outdoor fire pit.

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Skipping the Dorms at Texas A&M: Freshman Independence & Apartment Living From Day One [Carlos]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Carlos, a Texas A&M architectural engineering graduate who is staying in College Station to earn his master’s degree. Carlos shares why A&M was not initially his first choice, how its engineering program and scholarship opportunities won him over, and how he ultimately chose A&M despite growing up in a University of Texas household. Carlos walks through his full housing journey, starting with applying too late for on-campus housing and landing in a studio apartment at 12 North in Northgate. He explains how living alone freshman year taught him to cook, clean, manage his time, and become more independent. Carlos also challenges the idea that students must live in a dorm to make friends, sharing how he built community through his apartment, student organizations, and a collegiate solar vehicle design team. He later moved into The Standard with friends, then chose a house for junior and senior year for cheaper rent, more space, and a better place to host. He also reflects on balancing engineering classes, social life, transportation, and housing as college became more demanding. In this episode, we cover: Why Carlos chose Texas A&M over UT for engineering and scholarships Applying too late for on-campus housing and ending up in Northgate What living alone freshman year taught him about independence Why students can still make friends without living in a dorm Balancing engineering classes, student organizations, and social life Why house living was cheaper and better for hosting Navigating transportation between his house and campus Carlos’ advice to apply for housing early and learn from failure Daydreamer Cafe Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of The Jay in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside The Jay’s leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @thejaycollegestation on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. The Jay The Jay is a new student apartment opening near Texas A&M College Station in Fall 2027. With floorplan options ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments, there is a layout for every lifestyle and roommate group. Designed with Aggies in mind, The Jay combines Texan warmth with luxury amenities that make it easy to balance school and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a jumbotron, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. The Heights The Heights is a premier student apartment located just a short drive away from Texas A&M College Station. With floorplan options ranging from two to five bedrooms, there is plenty of space for every kind of roommate group. Recently renovated with Texas A&M students in mind, The Heights offers upgraded amenities that make it easy to balance studying and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a hot tub and jumbotron, a brand-new pickleball court, a dedicated study lounge and an outdoor fire pit.

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Behind Texas A&M’s “Culty” Culture: The True Freshman Experience and Joining the Aggie Family [Zoie]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Zoie, a recent Texas A&M University graduate who studied communication with a minor in agricultural sales. Originally from Kiowa, Texas, Zoie shares why A&M was not initially her first choice, how touring campus changed her mind, and what she came to love about the school’s traditions and tight-knit community. She also reflects on navigating every stage of college living, from freshman dorms and campus organizations to sharing a house with friends off campus. Zoie walks through her full housing journey at Texas A&M, starting with her freshman year in Wells Hall on Southside, where she found her roommate through the class Instagram page. She explains the differences between Northside, Southside, and West Campus and shares why living on campus made it easier to meet people and stay connected. Zoie also talks about finding community through Fish Camp and a freshman leadership organization called FLO after deciding not to rush. She opens up about the benefits and challenges of living with friends, dealing with property management and utility issues, and why communication and cleanliness are two of the most important things to discuss before choosing roommates. In this episode, we cover: The differences between Modular and Hullabaloo-style dorms Dining halls, meal plans, and getting around Texas A&M’s large campus Zoie’s experience with Blinn TEAM and taking classes at RELLIS Why she wishes she had considered Callaway for freshman year How early students should begin searching for housing in the Historic District Zoie’s time-management tips and advice for handling roommate conflict Daydreamer Cafe Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of The Jay in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside The Jay’s leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @thejaycollegestation on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. The Jay The Jay is a new student apartment opening near Texas A&M College Station in Fall 2027. With floorplan options ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments, there is a layout for every lifestyle and roommate group. Designed with Aggies in mind, The Jay combines Texan warmth with luxury amenities that make it easy to balance school and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a jumbotron, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. The Heights The Heights is a premier student apartment located just a short drive away from Texas A&M College Station. With floorplan options ranging from two to five bedrooms, there is plenty of space for every kind of roommate group. Recently renovated with Texas A&M students in mind, The Heights offers upgraded amenities that make it easy to balance studying and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a hot tub and jumbotron, a brand-new pickleball court, a dedicated study lounge and an outdoor fire pit.

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College Station Beyond A&M: Off-Campus Housing, Finding Your Community, and Leasing Agent Secrets [Ashtyn]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Ashtyn, a marketing major from Houston who moved to College Station after changing her college plans at the last minute. Ashtyn explains why she chose Blinn College instead of Texas State and what it was like adjusting to college life away from home. Ashtyn shares her housing journey through The Barracks, The Heights, and her upcoming one-bedroom apartment at Lake Walk at Traditions. From navigating roommate conflicts and caring for multiple pets to becoming a leasing agent, she explains why students should start their housing search early, ask detailed questions, and look beyond how a property appears. Ashtyn also opens up about anxiety, making friends naturally, and how college helped her become more independent. In this episode, we cover: Why Ashtyn changed her plans and moved to College Station Blinn College, RELLIS, and alternative paths to Texas A&M The reality of living with roommates and multiple pets Communicating through roommate conflict with the goal of resolving it Comparing townhomes and apartments in College Station Leasing agent advice for touring and signing student housing The importance of maintenance, security, amenities, and lease details Learning to be independent and comfortable with unexpected change Daydreamer Cafe Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of The Jay in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside The Jay’s leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @thejaycollegestation on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. The Jay The Jay is a new student apartment opening near Texas A&M College Station in Fall 2027. With floorplan options ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments, there is a layout for every lifestyle and roommate group. Designed with Aggies in mind, The Jay combines Texan warmth with luxury amenities that make it easy to balance school and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a jumbotron, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. The Heights The Heights is a premier student apartment located just a short drive away from Texas A&M College Station. With floorplan options ranging from two to five bedrooms, there is plenty of space for every kind of roommate group. Recently renovated with Texas A&M students in mind, The Heights offers upgraded amenities that make it easy to balance studying and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a hot tub and jumbotron, a brand-new pickleball court, a dedicated study lounge and an outdoor fire pit.

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Before You Choose Texas A&M Housing, Listen to This: Dorms, Sorority Houses & Apartments [Christina]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Christina, a senior psychology major at Texas A&M University from Boerne, Texas. Christina shares how she grew up in a Longhorn family but immediately felt at home when she toured A&M, and how the school’s traditions, involvement, and strong sense of community ultimately made it the right choice for her. She also opens up about entering college knowing very little about housing and what she learned while navigating dorm life, sorority housing, and an off-campus apartment. Christina walks through her full Texas A&M housing journey, from the chaos of freshman housing selection and living in Rudder Hall to moving into the Delta Zeta house sophomore year. She shares the differences between Northside, Southside, and Northgate, why she chose not to live with a close friend, and how she learned the importance of privacy and recharging. She also breaks down her off-campus apartment search, including why safety, maintenance, and signing before winter break mattered most. In this episode, we cover: The differences between Northside, Southside, Northgate, and Historic Her experience living in Rudder Hall and the Delta Zeta house Finding the right roommate and setting boundaries Why you do not have to live on campus to be involved Starting the off-campus housing search before winter break Choosing an apartment over a house for safety and maintenance Her advice for getting involved early at Texas A&M Daydreamer Cafe Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of The Jay in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside The Jay’s leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @thejaycollegestation on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. The Jay The Jay is a new student apartment opening near Texas A&M College Station in Fall 2027. With floorplan options ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments, there is a layout for every lifestyle and roommate group. Designed with Aggies in mind, The Jay combines Texan warmth with luxury amenities that make it easy to balance school and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a jumbotron, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. The Heights The Heights is a premier student apartment located just a short drive away from Texas A&M College Station. With floorplan options ranging from two to five bedrooms, there is plenty of space for every kind of roommate group. Recently renovated with Texas A&M students in mind, The Heights offers upgraded amenities that make it easy to balance studying and downtime, including a resort-style pool with a hot tub and jumbotron, a brand-new pickleball court, a dedicated study lounge and an outdoor fire pit.

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Navigating Housing at UMD: Freshman Dorms, Greek Life, and Finding an Apartment Early [Constance]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Constance, a junior marketing major at the University of Maryland from Northern Virginia. Constance shares why UMD was her top choice, how she went into college knowing very little about housing, and what she learned from navigating every stage of campus living, from freshman year dorms to sorority life and off-campus apartments. Constance walks through her full housing journey at UMD, starting with her freshman year in Easton Hall, where she found her roommate through the class Instagram page, lived in a learning community, and quickly built a strong community by being outgoing early on. She reflects on adjusting to communal bathrooms, moving into a sorority house sophomore year with 30 to 40 girls, and how that high energy environment shaped her socially. She breaks down her apartment hunting process, including signing early, touring apartments, and asking the right questions, which eventually led her to sign at Landmark. Looking ahead, Constance explains how competitive senior year housing is at UMD and why she locked in a senior house earlier than expected. In this episode, we cover: How Constance chose UMD and what she knew about housing going in Her experience living in Easton Hall and being part of a learning community The pros and cons of freshman dorm living including communal bathrooms and shared spaces How leaving your door open and talking to everyone helps you make friends early Transitioning into college and dealing with homesickness Rushing at UMD and her advice for going through sorority recruitment Starting the apartment search early and comparing Landmark and The Standard What questions to ask on apartment tours including pricing, fees, and amenities Living at Landmark junior year and adjusting to having her own room Planning senior year housing, why it’s so competitive, and how she secured a house in Old Town Her biggest piece of advice for incoming UMD students about putting yourself out there and talking to everyone Rambler College Park Rambler College Park is a new student apartment opening near the University of Maryland in Fall 2027. With floorplan options that range from studios to five-bedrooms, there is a layout perfect for every lifestyle. Designed with Maryland students in mind, you’ll find curated interiors and next-level amenities that make everyday living feel effortless, including courtyards and a heated outdoor spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a dedicated study lounge, and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. Daydreamer Daydreamer Cafe is every college student's favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of Rambler College Park in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside the Rambler leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @RamblerCollegePark on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. Landmark Landmark College Park is a premier student apartment located just steps from the University of Maryland. With floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts, Landmark offers spaces designed for every kind of Maryland student. And something new is coming soon, ready for August 2026 Move-In. Get ready for a fully renovated lobby, upgraded fitness center, refreshed study spaces, and more—all designed to elevate your everyday routine. With Dunkin’ on the first floor, your daily dose of caffeine is right downstairs. Plus, with the College Park Metro Station, local restaurants, and campus hotspots just steps away, everything you need is always within reach. Use the code BESTFOUR at landmarkcollegepark.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Maryland Housing TELL ALL: Dorm Life, Sorority Living, and Finding Independence at UMD [Jenna]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Jenna, a junior communication major with a concentration in public relations at the University of Maryland. Jenna shares how a late night football game and the energy of UMD’s school spirit helped her choose a school close to home, and what it was really like transitioning from high school into college life through Freshman Connection. Jenna walks through her full housing journey at UMD, starting with her freshman year dorm in Elkton, complete with elevator mishaps, laundry room lessons, and the highs and lows of classic dorm living. She opens up about finding her roommate last minute through the class Instagram page, navigating the adjustment to a non-traditional class schedule, and why living in the dorms was an essential part of her freshman year experience. From there, she shares why living in her sorority house sophomore year was one of her favorite chapters, and how moving into The Standard junior year gave her a new sense of independence, privacy, and balance. In this episode, we cover: What Freshman Connection at UMD really is and how it compares to the traditional freshman experience How to find roommates and friends through the UMD class Instagram and Facebook groups Her freshman year in Elkton including dorm life highs, AC struggles, elevator chaos, and laundry room lessons Dorm essentials every freshman should bring to campus Adjusting from a high school routine to a later college class schedule Why she believes freshmen should live in dorms Living in her sorority house sophomore year and what made it such a special experience Signing early at The Standard, getting a rent discount, and what it’s like having her own room and bathroom Why freshmen do not need a car at UMD and how she gets around campus Starting the search for senior year housing and why it’s more competitive than expected Rambler College Park Rambler College Park is a new student apartment opening near the University of Maryland in Fall 2027. With floorplan options that range from studios to five-bedrooms, there is a layout perfect for every lifestyle. Designed with Maryland students in mind, you’ll find curated interiors and next-level amenities that make everyday living feel effortless, including courtyards and a heated outdoor spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a dedicated study lounge, and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. Daydreamer Daydreamer Cafe is every college student's favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of Rambler College Park in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside the Rambler leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @RamblerCollegePark on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. Landmark Landmark College Park is a premier student apartment located just steps from the University of Maryland. With floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts, Landmark offers spaces designed for every kind of Maryland student. And something new is coming soon, ready for August 2026 Move-In. Get ready for a fully renovated lobby, upgraded fitness center, refreshed study spaces, and more—all designed to elevate your everyday routine. With Dunkin’ on the first floor, your daily dose of caffeine is right downstairs. Plus, with the College Park Metro Station, local restaurants, and campus hotspots just steps away, everything you need is always within reach. Use the code BESTFOUR at landmarkcollegepark.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Skipping The Dorms: Choosing an Apartment as a Freshman at UMD [Kelsi]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura sits down with Kelsi, a sophomore hearing and speech science major at the University of Maryland, to talk through her decision to skip dorm life and move straight into an off-campus apartment as a freshman. As the oldest of four who shared a room for nearly a decade, Kelsi knew early on that traditional dorm living with communal bathrooms and shared bedrooms was not the right fit for her. Kelsi shares how she researched housing before even committing to UMD, what she learned from friends and social media, and how she landed at The View with roommates who were already upperclassmen. She opens up about signing a lease early, choosing housing based on budget and location, and adjusting to the independence of apartment living. She also reflects on the pros and cons of apartments versus dorms, making friends without dorm life, and how living off campus helped her grow up faster than she expected. In this episode, we cover: Why Kelsi knew dorm life wasn’t for her from the start How she researched off-campus apartments before freshman year Finding roommates who were already UMD upperclassmen Why she chose The View over other popular student apartments The independence (and challenges) of apartment living as a freshman How apartment life impacted her social life and transition to college Lessons learned about leases, renewals, and planning ahead Her advice for incoming freshmen navigating housing decisions at UMD Rambler College Park Rambler College Park is a new student apartment opening near the University of Maryland in Fall 2027. With floorplan options that range from studios to five-bedrooms, there is a layout perfect for every lifestyle. Designed with Maryland students in mind, you’ll find curated interiors and next-level amenities that make everyday living feel effortless, including courtyards and a heated outdoor spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a dedicated study lounge, and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. Daydreamer Daydreamer Cafe is every college student's favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of Rambler College Park in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside the Rambler leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @RamblerCollegePark on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. Landmark Landmark College Park is a premier student apartment located just steps from the University of Maryland. With floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts, Landmark offers spaces designed for every kind of Maryland student. And something new is coming soon, ready for August 2026 Move-In. Get ready for a fully renovated lobby, upgraded fitness center, refreshed study spaces, and more—all designed to elevate your everyday routine. With Dunkin’ on the first floor, your daily dose of caffeine is right downstairs. Plus, with the College Park Metro Station, local restaurants, and campus hotspots just steps away, everything you need is always within reach. Use the code BESTFOUR at landmarkcollegepark.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Living Where It All Happens: Pyon-Chen Housing and Finding Your Place at Maryland [Julion]

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura talks with Julion, a senior at the University of Maryland double majoring in business management and marketing while on the pre-law track. What started as UMD being last on his college list turned into a full 180 thanks to honors housing and finding the right place to live on campus. Julion shares how living in Pyon-Chen Hall all four years shaped his entire college experience, from being placed in honors and graduating debt-free to becoming a community assistant and later a resident assistant. He breaks down what makes Pyon-Chen stand out, how UMD housing is structured, and what students should actually be looking for when choosing where to live. In this episode, we cover: Why UMD was his last choice and what changed his mind completely How the honors housing process works and what students should know about getting placed Living in Pyon-Chen Hall: the pros, the cons, and why it’s one of UMD’s best dorms North vs. South campus and how housing vibes change across campus The typical UMD housing trajectory—from dorms to suites to off-campus apartments Hacks for getting into better housing Why freshmen should get an on-campus job early How to adjust to sharing a space, setting boundaries, and handle move-in smoothly Must-have apartment amenities to look for in housing Campus resources students should actually use Advice he wishes he knew sooner—and why the most important thing is remembering "to live" Rambler College Park Rambler College Park is a new student apartment opening near the University of Maryland in Fall 2027. With floorplan options that range from studios to five-bedrooms, there is a layout perfect for every lifestyle. Designed with Maryland students in mind, you’ll find curated interiors and next-level amenities that make everyday living feel effortless, including courtyards and a heated outdoor spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a dedicated study lounge, and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe. Daydreamer Daydreamer Cafe is every college student's favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of Rambler College Park in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside the Rambler leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @RamblerCollegePark on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates. Landmark Landmark College Park is a premier student apartment located just steps from the University of Maryland. With floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts, Landmark offers spaces designed for every kind of Maryland student. And something new is coming soon, ready for August 2026 Move-In. Get ready for a fully renovated lobby, upgraded fitness center, refreshed study spaces, and more—all designed to elevate your everyday routine. With Dunkin’ on the first floor, your daily dose of caffeine is right downstairs. Plus, with the College Park Metro Station, local restaurants, and campus hotspots just steps away, everything you need is always within reach. Use the code BESTFOUR at landmarkcollegepark.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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No Dorms, No Problem: The Journey Through ASU Apartments, the GLV, and an Airbnb

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, Laura chats with Laurie, a senior business student at Arizona State University and a Scottsdale native. Laurie shares why she skipped the dorms freshman year, how she found her stride at ASU socially and academically, and what she learned from living everywhere from an off-campus apartment to the Greek Leadership Village and even an Airbnb. Originally admitted as a nursing major, Laurie opens up about switching to business, rushing Alpha Phi, and working her way up to VP of Recruitment. She also breaks down her full housing journey at ASU, from her first year in the District at Apache to the pros and cons of living in Apollo, GLV, and a senior-year Airbnb house. Along the way, she gives candid advice on making friends, navigating recruitment, and choosing the right housing timeline. In this episode, we cover: The dorm setup at ASU and why she decided to skip them Her freshman year at District at Apache: the good, the bad, and the reality vs. online photos How to find roommates as a freshman using ASU Snapchat/Instagram groups—and what to say in that first DM Making friends freshman year and her take on dorms vs. apartments What it’s like going through ASU sorority recruitment and her advice as Alpha Phi’s VP of Recruitment The pros and cons of new-build apartments, why you need to sign early, and her biggest regret about housing Her sophomore year at Apollo and why it didn’t live up to expectations Why the GLV was her favorite housing experience, how she got her own room, and what it’s like living with 30 sorority sisters Her Airbnb hack for finding a house senior year, and the trade-offs between apartments and houses Her biggest piece of advice for freshmen starting at ASU This episode is brought to you by Rambler Tempe. Rambler Tempe (https://ramblertempe.com) is a student apartment just steps away from ASU. With options ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, there’s a layout for every lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed with ASU students in mind, Rambler offers curated interiors and elevated amenities—including two pool decks, cold plunges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study lounge, an on-site coffee shop and more. Rambler also gives larger groups the option to lease nearby units on the same floor and create their own neighborhood, making it easy to live just steps from all of your best friends while still enjoying the comfort of your own apartment. Use the code BESTFOUR at ramblertempe.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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First-Gen and Figuring It Out: What No One Tells You About ASU Housing

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura talks with Sofi, a junior and first-generation college student at Arizona State University student from the Bay Area. From navigating her college transition solo to documenting it all on TikTok, Sofi shares what it’s really like to figure things out as you go. She covers everything—from the ASU housing portal and move-in prep to what it’s like living in a social dorm like Hassayampa, dealing with not-so-great roommates in an off-campus luxury apartment, and why she wishes more students knew how early you need to start looking for housing. In this episode, we cover: Advice for first generation college students Everything to know about freshman year – FAQs, saying yes to everything, dorm essentials and her top tips to incoming freshmen Talks through the housing portal and what students need to do and and why they need to do it early How she found roommates and friends before even starting college Dorm life at Hassay Why she became a content creator for college advice Living at Park Place: roommate issues, what went wrong, and why research matters Tips for time management, scholarships, and staying true to yourself in college This episode is brought to you by Rambler Tempe. Rambler Tempe (https://ramblertempe.com) is a student apartment just steps away from ASU. With options ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, there’s a layout for every lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed with ASU students in mind, Rambler offers curated interiors and elevated amenities—including two pool decks, cold plunges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study lounge, an on-site coffee shop and more. Rambler also gives larger groups the option to lease nearby units on the same floor and create their own neighborhood, making it easy to live just steps from all of your best friends while still enjoying the comfort of your own apartment. Use the code BESTFOUR at ramblertempe.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Roommate Red Flags and Housing Realities: A Candid Look at ASU Living

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura sits down with Ashton, a senior at Arizona State University majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Originally from Allen, Texas, Ashton dives into her experience navigating ASU’s multiple campuses, making big housing decisions, and learning how to advocate for herself along the way. From switching majors just to live on the Tempe campus to dealing with a toxic roommate situation and finding her people in the Greek Leadership Village (GLV), Ashton shares it all. In this episode, we cover: Why she changed her major just to move to a different ASU campus and how it paid off Pros and cons of dorms like Manzanita, Palo Verde, San Pablo and Best Hall What to do if you’re in a tough roommate situation and why speaking up matters What living in the GLV is really like (including sharing a bathroom with 15+ girls) Why she chose a house over an apartment and what students often overlook when picking housing Whether or not you need a car in Tempe Advice to other out-of-state students attending ASU This episode is brought to you by Rambler Tempe. Rambler Tempe (https://ramblertempe.com) is a student apartment just steps away from ASU. With options ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, there’s a layout for every lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed with ASU students in mind, Rambler offers curated interiors and elevated amenities—including two pool decks, cold plunges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study lounge, an on-site coffee shop and more. Rambler also gives larger groups the option to lease nearby units on the same floor and create their own neighborhood, making it easy to live just steps from all of your best friends while still enjoying the comfort of your own apartment. Use the code BESTFOUR at ramblertempe.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Arizona State Housing TELL ALL: Dorm Life, the GLV, Sorority Life, and More

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura sits down with Alli, a junior at Arizona State University and president of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. A Scottsdale native, Alli shares what it’s like to stay close to home for college, and how her housing experience shaped her college journey. From navigating ASU’s housing portal as a business student to living in the social hub of Hassayampa (Hassay) her freshman year, Alli offers a detailed look at dorm life, Greek housing in the unique GLV setup, and her transition to apartment living at The Carmin. She also opens up about roommate matching, budgeting tips, and what she wishes she’d known earlier. In this episode, we cover: What to expect from the ASU dorm selection process (and why it’s confusing) The pros and cons of where she’s lived: Hassay, the Greek Leadership Village (GLV) and The Carmin What Alli learned from dealing with dorm maintenance issues and navigating move-in stress Which neighborhoods ASU students typically live (Apache vs Mill) How she chose her apartment off-campus and why she’s heading back to the GLV her senior year Advice for incoming freshmen on getting involved, managing money, and finding the right roommates This episode is brought to you by Rambler Tempe. Rambler Tempe (https://ramblertempe.com) is a student apartment just steps away from ASU. With options ranging from studios to 4-bedroom apartments, there’s a layout for every lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed with ASU students in mind, Rambler offers curated interiors and elevated amenities—including two pool decks, cold plunges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study lounge, an on-site coffee shop and more. Rambler also gives larger groups the option to lease nearby units on the same floor and create their own neighborhood, making it easy to live just steps from all of your best friends while still enjoying the comfort of your own apartment. Use the code BESTFOUR at ramblertempe.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Inside Ohio State Housing: Dorm Lottery, Scholars Program, and Apartment Living Revealed

In the final episode of The Best Four Season 2, Laura sits down with Cat, an Ohio State senior and Columbus native, to discuss her journey navigating housing at Ohio State. From living in Blackburn House as a freshman in the Business Scholars program to moving into Scott House as a sophomore, and eventually into an off-campus apartment, Cat shares valuable insights on dorm life, the highly competitive lottery system, and her reasons for choosing to live off-campus. She also dives into the culture differences between North and South Campus, the pros and cons of scholars programs, and how to balance college life. In this episode, we cover: Navigating the dorm lottery: how to get the best dorms at Ohio State The perks of joining Ohio State Scholars Programs Blackburn House, Scott House, and life in a North Campus apartment Why Cat chose to live in an off-campus apartment and her tips for securing one The competitive housing scene at Ohio State Explore more episodes and continue the conversation on our website: https://thebestfourpod.com This episode is brought to you by Rambler Columbus. Rambler Columbus (https://ramblercolumbus.com/) is a student apartment located in North Campus near The Ohio State University. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there’s something for everyone. With curated interiors and amenities including a heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don’t want to miss this. Use the code BESTFOUR at RamblerColumbus.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

Life as an Ohio State Student Athlete: Campus Tips & Tricks from an OSU Men's Volleyball Player

In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura sits down with Ben, a junior at The Ohio State University and a student-athlete on the men’s volleyball team. Ben shares his journey from being recruited by Ohio State to his experiences living with teammates, both on and off campus. From his freshman year living in Lawrence Tower on North Campus (a dorm repurposed from a hotel) to an off-campus house near South Campus. Ben dives into the challenges of balancing life as a student-athlete, the pros and cons of living in various dorms and housing options, and his advice for incoming freshmen. They also chat about the culture on North vs. South campus, what it’s like living with eight housemates, and the realities of Columbus student housing. In this episode, we cover: Living in North Campus vs. South Campus dorms: the major differences The perks and challenges of living with fellow athletes Tips for finding off-campus housing and why it's so competitive Dorm options for Ohio State freshmen and sophomores Ben’s experience as a student-athlete at Ohio State Explore more episodes and continue the conversation on our website: https://thebestfourpod.com This episode is brought to you by Rambler Columbus. Rambler Columbus (https://ramblercolumbus.com/) is a student apartment located in North Campus near The Ohio State University. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there’s something for everyone. With curated interiors and amenities including a heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don’t want to miss this. Use the code BESTFOUR at RamblerColumbus.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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What you NEED to know about Ohio State Housing: Dorm Rankings, Sorority Life, & Off-Campus Housing

In this episode of The Best Four, Laura sits down with Brenna, a senior at Ohio State University, to discuss everything you need to know about living on campus and beyond. From her experiences in South Campus dorms (Park-Stradley Hall) to living in her sorority house and finally landing a coveted off-campus house, Brenna shares practical tips and advice for navigating the competitive housing scene at Ohio State. In this episode, we cover: South Campus vs. North Campus dorms: where to live and what to expect Life in a sorority house at Ohio State and how to get a spot The competitive nature of off-campus housing and tips for landing the perfect house Dorm rankings and why South Campus dorms might be worth it, even without AC! Explore more episodes and continue the conversation on our website: https://thebestfourpod.com This episode is brought to you by Rambler Columbus. Rambler Columbus (https://ramblercolumbus.com/) is a student apartment located in North Campus near The Ohio State University. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there’s something for everyone. With curated interiors and amenities including a heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don’t want to miss this. Use the code BESTFOUR at RamblerColumbus.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

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Ohio State Housing TELL ALL: Dorm Secrets, Sorority Life, and Off-Campus Struggles

We're kicking things off in Columbus, OH, as Laura sits down with Colleen, an Ohio State junior, to dive into everything you need to know about living at Ohio State. From the best dorms and off-campus housing options to life in a sorority house and the competitive housing scene, Colleen shares her experiences and tips on making the most of campus life. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or already a student, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate college living. In this episode, we cover: The pros and cons of different dorms at Ohio State Living in Seibert Hall and the experience of South Campus housing Navigating sorority life and housing at OSU The challenge of finding off-campus housing and why it’s so competitive Why having multiple pockets of friends is key at a large university like Ohio State Explore more episodes and continue the conversation on our website: https://thebestfourpod.com/ This episode is brought to you by Rambler Columbus. Rambler Columbus (https://ramblercolumbus.com/) is a student apartment located in North Campus near The Ohio State University. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there’s something for everyone. With curated interiors and amenities including a heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don’t want to miss this. Use the code BESTFOUR at RamblerColumbus.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).

Inside West Campus Co-ops: The Alternative to Traditional UT Austin Housing

In our latest episode, Laura chats with Joseph, a UT Austin student, about his experience living in one of West Campus’ co-op houses (aka cooperative living). Never heard of the co-ops? Check out this episode to get the inside scoop on this alternate housing option near the University of Texas. Joseph dives into what co-op living is all about, discussing the costs, the community, and the pros and cons of this alternative housing option. He breaks down who typically lives in co-ops, what daily life is like, and why it might be a great fit for some students looking for something different from the traditional dorm or apartment experience. Plus, hear Joseph’s experience getting a last-minute dorm assignment as a freshman in UT’s Moore-Hill Hall. In this episode, we cover: Joseph’s experience living in Moore-Hill Hall (an on-campus dorm) as a freshman. An introduction to co-op living in West Campus (College Houses & ICC Austin). The costs, pros, and cons of co-op housing. Who lives in co-ops and what daily life is like in these communities. This episode includes discussions about mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or contact a helpline. The University of Texas offers mental health services through Healthyhorns. If you’re in need of immediate help, call 512-471-2255 (CALL) to speak with a crisis counselor at any time. Additional resources can be found at https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/cmhc/. This podcast is sponsored by Rambler ATX and Daydreamer Cafe. Rambler ATX: https://www.rambleratx.com/ Rambler ATX is a student apartment located in West Campus near UT Austin. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there's something for everyone. With dreamy Tulum-inspired interiors and amenities including a resort-style pool, two-story fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don't want to miss this. Use the code THEBESTFOUR to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value). Daydreamer Cafe: https://www.daydreamer.coffee/ Daydreamer Cafe serves hand crafted coffee, espresso and matcha drinks and artisan pastries. With two locations in West Campus, its the perfect spot for UT Austin students to grab a coffee or study with friends. Use code BESTFOUR10 on the Daydreamer app to get 10% off your next order.

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UT Austin Housing Hacks and the Real Life West Campus Apartment Scoop: Hilltop, Quarters

In our latest episode, Laura chats with Caleb, recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, about his firsthand experiences transferring to UT Austin as a CAP student, studying abroad and living in West Campus apartments. Caleb dives into the details of living at Hilltop and Quarters on Cameron, offering insights into what it's really like to live in these popular student housing options. Caleb also discusses how to choose the best part of West Campus to live in based on your lifestyle, shares tips on saving money on your apartment, and talks about finding a subleaser while studying abroad. In this episode, we cover: Caleb’s experience as a CAP transfer student at UT Austin Living at Hilltop and Quarters on Cameron in West Campus How to choose the best part of West Campus for your lifestyle Money-saving tips for living in West Campus apartments Finding a subletter while planning for studying abroad This episode is brought to you by Rambler ATX and Daydreamer Cafe. Rambler ATX: https://www.rambleratx.com/ Rambler ATX is a student apartment located in West Campus near UT Austin. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there's something for everyone. With dreamy Tulum-inspired interiors and amenities including a resort-style pool, two-story fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don't want to miss this. Use the code THEBESTFOUR to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value). Daydreamer Cafe: https://www.daydreamer.coffee/ Daydreamer Cafe serves hand crafted coffee, espresso and matcha drinks and artisan pastries. With two locations in West Campus, its the perfect spot for UT Austin students to grab a coffee or study with friends. Use code BESTFOUR10 on the Daydreamer app to get 10% off your next order.

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How to get ahead in the UT Austin Housing Hustle: Off-campus dorms, West Campus apartments, Locking in a House

In our latest episode, Laura chats with Anna Grace, a recent UT Austin grad and former Texas Cheerleader, about navigating the UT housing scene. Anna Grace shares her experiences and strategies for securing housing, starting with her decision to sign for an off-campus dorm, Scottish Rite Dormitory (a.k.a. SRD), even before being accepted into UT. Anna Grace discusses the pros and cons of living in off-campus dorms as a freshman and provides insights into the popular choices for students who plan to rush. She also shares her roommate success stories and explains how early students are really signing for housing, including her own experience of signing a lease for her senior year house during her freshman year. In this episode, we cover: Living in SRD, an off-campus dorm, as a freshman An overview of off-campus dorms Popular housing choices for students planning to rush Roommate success stories and tips The reality of how early students sign up for housing Living in West Campus apartments and a North Campus house Life in a sorority house This podcast is sponsored by Rambler ATX and Daydreamer Cafe. Rambler ATX: https://www.rambleratx.com/ Rambler ATX is a student apartment located in West Campus near UT Austin. With options ranging from studios to 6-bedroom apartments, there's something for everyone. With dreamy Tulum-inspired interiors and amenities including a resort-style pool, two-story fitness center, a dedicated study floor and more, you don't want to miss this. Use the code THEBESTFOUR to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value). Daydreamer Cafe: https://www.daydreamer.coffee/ Daydreamer Cafe serves hand crafted coffee, espresso and matcha drinks and artisan pastries. With two locations in West Campus, its the perfect spot for UT Austin students to grab a coffee or study with friends. Use code BESTFOUR10 on the Daydreamer app to get 10% off your next order.

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