LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - With projected enrollment swells around the corner, UALR spent $14. 7 million to buy Coleman place to add more than 400 beds.
For university officials and some students the new University Village means improving life, but for others it's a major headache.
What was once a convenient place to live for Shelby Reed transformed into a place that has her contemplating her college education.
"It's unfortunate because even though with a scholarship, if I can't find any where to stay, I'll have to go back home," says Reed.
Reed is one of many residents at Coleman Place Apartments who are leaving before rent goes up by $165 a month. UALR bought the complex and announced rent changes beginning in June.
"No one is going to be able to afford this," says Reed.
Residence who go to surrounding colleges will be allowed to stay for one year before they have to move out. But students with children are being forced to load up their cars and move out by June 1st.
"Not only do I have to worry about keeping my scholarship by passing my finals, now I have to worry about finding somewhere else to stay for me and my daughter," says UALR sophomore Brittney Mitchell.
Mitchell and her six-month-old Brooklynn have less than 30 days to find a new place to stay. Also, the elderly and non-students fall under the same timeline.
"I moved to Coleman because it was convenient because I can't stay on campus with her either," says Mitchell.
School officials say the University Village will provide more independence for students.
"Apartment-style living...there are two bedroom units...there are four bedroom units here," says Dean of Students, Dr. Logan Hampton.
Freshman Allison Wyatt looks forward to the new housing.
"It has a pool and a basketball court and I just feel like it's a little bit nicer," says Wyatt.
While some UALR students will bask in the benefits of apartment style living, Reed says others could lose out on the purchase.
"People are having to go back home and not know if they're even going to return to college," says Reed.
According to University Housing Director, Debbie Gentry, all residents at University Village will be UALR students by 2013.
UALR Dean of Students, Logan Hampton says students will have to earn a spot in University Village by having at least a 2.5 grade point average.