The first weekend back at school holds so many uncertainties. Four months seems like years when you are from your friends and your independent routine. I’m sure we can all agree, like any first weekend, The University of Maine did not disappoint. This week’s Campus Celebrity title belongs to The Grove; who has been in the headlines this week for more reasons than one.
For the past two years The Grove has been the talk of the town at the beginning of each school year. The first year it was open, numerous articles were published on the quality and structure of the apartments. Around the same time The Grove was home to one of the largest parties this University has seen in a long time, putting it on the town’s radar. This past weekend The Grove hit the papers again. Upon move-in many of the residents were disappointed with the state of their apartments.
When pulling into the complex, trash was scattered about in front of almost every building. Upon entering, many found missing furniture and their living arrangements less than satisfactory. “It looked like there had been a party in our apartment weeks ago,” Maddie described. Maddie and her roommates (all sophomores at UMaine) were put up in hotel accommodations after much negotiation. Since then, their apartment has all new screens, door locks and carpet and all walls have been patched. When asked why they decided to live in The Grove for the 2014-15 school year, they said convenience was the biggest reason.
Some residents moved in with ease. Hannah Chambers, a UMaine student and resident of The Grove was worried about moving in, but lucked out. Chambers had this to say, “I arrived at move-in later in the day than many other residents had, and I was extremely nervous when I walked into the clubhouse and saw so many people crying from stress. I lucked out and had a seamless move in. It’s too bad the experience wasn’t the same for everyone else.”
Why is The Grove so appealing? Ask any resident why they decided to sign a lease and a majority of them would probably answer, “It’s convenient.” The Grove is close to town, campus and many residents’ friends.
A word to the wise, and in regards to last week’s party, The Grove is under high surveillance by town officials. This is becoming a local issue in the town and more severe repercussions for those in attendance could be made in an effort to control the riot-like conditions.