Como Student Community Cooperative

My husband and I moved in to CSCC before starting my first year of medical school. We appreciate the friendly community, the affordable rent and the included utilities. The only complaint is that the coop is situated in an industrial area. As a runner, I often drive to my running spots because I don't like the industrial atmosphere. The upside is that the coop is close to bus routes and is a quick drive from most parts of the Twin Cities. The coop has a lot to offer for students with kids including multiple playgrounds and a child care service.

CSCC is a great place to live as a medical student! It is close to campus and to most clinical rotation sites. The apartments are affordable and all utilities are included. The UMN does a great job of managing the leasing and maintenance.

Would highly recommend Como student co-op. It is only available to those who are affiliated with University of Minnesota, and there is a wait list, so I would recommend getting your name on it early if you’re interested. Great neighbors, great community, very cheap rent, community/co-op ownership.

This is a subsidized housing co-op that serves University of Minnesota students and their families. Part of their mission is to keep rent affordable, and I could not find a better deal for a 1 BR apartment. They cover all utilities, including internet and parking. The management is always very friendly, the neighbors are nice, and the property is very quiet (unless you live next to the State Fair and there are events there occasionally). 5/5 would recommend for students on a budget, looking for a very pleasant place to live.

Great small community surrounded by lots of green space. A great place for students with small children as there are many other families with children here. Lots of playgrounds and community-organized activities for kids. One disadvantage of living here: No built-in dishwasher or A/C units. You'll have to buy your own A/C and pay an additional $20/month fee per unit. There has been a lot of car break-ins recently in our parking lots, but that's common anywhere near campus. Apartments are nice inside but space is very small and stairs are steep.

A great deal for student family housing in a relatively safe part of Minneapolis - we are close to Hwy 280, and St Paul is less than 1/4 mile away. Daycare on site, playgrounds, BBQ’s, friendly (but private) residents. My husband and I moved here from North Carolina so I could get my MBA - we were fortunate to get the apartment after spending only a few weeks on the waiting list. Maintenance is prompt, the front desk people seem to be too (although Nick is grouchy). Overall a good place to be a student with a family.

Como is cheap and awesome. There are no washers or dryers in units, however, there are some in each building. It has been slightly more dangerous as of late, but so has the Twin Cities in general.

Although property was built in the 70s and units are quite small, it's a great experience to to live as a student on a budget. We really enjoy the community and it's very family friendly with 5 on-site playgrounds and an on-site daycare (Como Early Learning Center).

Pros: affordable (cheap), utilities included, community
Cons: co-op does require some shared cleaning duties, shared laundry room (requires $), small units, neighborhood crime is a problem

Must be UMN graduate student, post-doc, or undergraduate student with families prioritized (married or domestic partners with or without children, single parents with 1 or more children). Check the website for most updated eligibility guidelines.

Awesome place to live. Great affordability, UMN internet, utilities included (except small charge for individual A/C unit during summer months). Maintenance is very very responsive and fixes stuff really quickly. They encourage us to contact maintenance for problems and want to keep the place in good condition. Many units are two levels which is great for having space from roommates especially if on different sleep schedules. Lots of families with children, relatively quiet neighborhood and apartment complex. Good location on the #3 and #4 bus lines. NiceRide bike rental station adjacent to the complex. Kind neighbors. Small apartment gym (closed during pandemic) was a nice addition in the last couple years.

One down side is no pets unless they are for emotional support or other needs.

Tons of international students so lots of cool people to meet. It's a co-op—the residents are shareholders and the complex is run by a board of directors elected annually by the residents, so it's really well run. Cheap, spacious, great community/neighbors, and my place was like 30 yards from a 3 bus stop that goes right to the law school.