The James

"READ THIS IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING STAYING AT THE JAMES: Here’s the blatant truth. I stayed at The James for pretty much my entire 4 years at UW-Madison. I have mixed opinions because I loved UW’s campus and some of the experiences I had during college, including some at the James. The location was about as perfect as it could get. $1100 a month for the efficiency unit at the time (2021-2022) wasn’t bad at all considering MY circumstances (subjective) at the time. I’ve heard they raised prices by a ridiculous amount per unit. If that’s true, I wouldn’t stay there as a college student under certain circumstances. If you could save 400-500 a month by staying at the Equinox or Embassy, just do it. The James pool is pretty much open to anyone, and there were many times I watched non-residents disturb the peace and trash the place. The gym is small and good enough for cardio, abs, and shoulders. Most people working out there are not residents. Never get sold on any of The James amenities. If you’d like access to them, I’m sure you easily can, which sucks for all the people actually paying for them. The washer and dryer will leave your clothes covered in lint, to the point where I stopped buying new clothes because they’d get ruined. The apartment is really dusty, and the mattresses they provide are awful. The study room is nice but always so packed that you probably won’t find seating. It’s nice to have, though. I never had to go to the library during college because of it. Pick the right times to go study. Never try to room with a random roommate at the James. It will be a nightmare, leading to a huge problem that can ruin much of your college experience and probably your GPA as well. If you’re going with roommates you don’t know yet, meet them from Facebook in the student groups. Get to know them first. If you see a sublet at a really discounted price where you’ll have a roommate, consider that a red flag immediately. James and Diana in the office are nice, but whoever actually owns the building or any other management are never seen or found. If you’re a college student paying for college by yourself without parental help or scholarships covering your tuition, don’t stay here. I was blessed enough to be on a full ride. If you’re not, it would be idiotic to spend $20,000 per year on rent here on top of tuition. If money isn’t an issue, go stay at the Hub instead. The James should always be your backup option to the Hub if you have the money. I wanted to live in a more luxurious apartment to make it easier for me to graduate. Staying at The James did help me, but I am also particular about my place of living and luxury. If you’re not, save money and go elsewhere. My final point is, if the place you’re considering is only $100-200 less per month, go with The James. If the difference is $400-500 per month, choose the cheaper one if it’s on the southeast portion of campus and or close to downtown. If the price doesn’t matter, do anything you can to stay at The Hub. Don’t stay near Camp Randall. It’s depressing. If you don’t come from money, be prepared to be humbled a bit. A lot of the kids living there are children of high-net-worth individuals. If that’s something you can handle, and you’re competitive like me, environments like that drive you to be greater. If that’s something you couldn’t handle, don’t stay here. It’s definitely an ego stroke staying here when you’re young and in college. It is considered a top apartment on campus and this/The Hub are the ‘cool’ places to stay. I’ve been meaning to write this review for quite some time now. If I helped one person that reads this, I’ll be happy. I give The James a 3/5. Best of luck with your choice."

"I lived at the James last year & have always gotten the worst attitude from a man named James that works there. Today I accidentally delivered a package there & he looked around & told me it is not there. This package was more expensive, so my friend went in and asked a women working there and she found it within seconds. While James repeatedly told me there is nothing he can and he has checked everywhere. The James would be a hell of a better place without him & his terrible attitude there that’s for sure."

"The James has been the best apartment for me- I love having the study room to use for a nice quiet space to get my work done. The staff is always so friendly too- and Tony has been a great help recently with questions about renewing for next year!"

"I’ve lived at The James for a little bit now and I love it. The amenities are great— a sunset at the rooftop pool? Sign me up! The staff is always so kind and helpful too, answering any questions quickly and pointing me in the right direction. I may have first found The James on TikTok, but I’m so glad I decided to look more into it because I love my new home :)"

"I have enjoyed time time living at the James. I love the Parcel Pending system where packages stay safe and out of the lobby. Jenna has been a great help whenever I have questions regarding my packages!! I love it here, and you're gonna love it here too!"