By MARY LYNNE O'NEAL

Staff Writer

"Off-campus living, on campus." That's the motto of University Park.

Construction began on new apartments, which hold around 500 students, in the spring of 2003. U-Park now has buildings adjacent to J.C. Love Field and across from the Maxie Lambright Intramural Sports Center.

Sam Speed, director of housing, believes the apartments are a positive option for students.

"We believe there are some benefits in the residences halls," Speed said, "But now you have an apartment-style complex that is in the center of campus with community development still taking place."

Margaret Hiers, a sophomore pre-vet major and a resident of a four-person U-Park townhouse, enjoys living there because each resident has their own room, and the apartment comes fully furnished.

"You get your basic appliances, a couch and a chair, a bed, and the best part Ð your own bathroom [that you share with one other person]," Hiers said.

Cable, phone, Ethernet, electricity and water are all included in the payment of $1200 per quarter. Residents must also purchase the Park Meal Plan of $400 per quarter. Applications are available at http://www.latech.edu/universitypark/.