Resident Experiences
The benefits of community life, affordability and close proximity to the University of Utah campus make Sunnyside Apartments a great place for student families to live. Here are what some of our residents are saying about their experience:
International Community Members
Single Graduate and Professional Students
Student Residents with Families
Real Resident Testimonials
| As an international PhD student, Sunnyside provides the perfect mix of physical comfort, mental peace, and social connection. Its location is perfect – I can easily access the library, catch early shuttles, and buses. The study rooms on each floor provide cozy, private spaces for intense focus. When I need a break, the student life center and fitness classes help me stay balanced during stressful PhD work. The apartment is also very safe to live as security measures are great here. |
| When I first moved to Salt Lake City from Iraq this year, I was excited but also really nervous. Starting fresh in a new city and country, away from everything familiar, was daunting. I didn't know anyone, and it felt like I was on my own. But Sunnyside Apartments have a huge role in calming my fears in ways I didn’t expect. The first friends I made in SLC were actually because of Sunnyside events. They host different activities and events. One of the early ones was the newcomer's orientation, and while I wasn’t sure about going at first, I’m so glad I did. That’s where I met people who would not only become my friends but also my support system. We’ve since become study partners and even explored the city together. Those friendships helped me adjust to life in a new place, and honestly, they made Salt Lake City feel like home in no time. Another huge plus of living at Sunnyside Apartments is the access to their study rooms. I have to work on Saturdays, but I am also lazy to go to school. I can’t tell how many weekends I’ve spent in those rooms. The study rooms are quiet and always available, making them the perfect spot to focus on when needed. Without that resource, I know my productivity would have taken a hit. Having a place that’s just a short walk from my apartment where I can really focus has been such a lifesaver for my academic progress. But it’s not just the physical spaces that have helped—living at Sunnyside has given me the social and emotional support I needed to succeed academically. Moving somewhere new can be stressful, and managing school on top of that can feel overwhelming. The sense of community here helped to reduce a lot of that pressure. Just knowing that I had friends to lean on and people around me who understood the ups and downs of student life made it easier to stay focused on my goals. Instead of feeling isolated or overwhelmed, I’ve been able to approach my studies with confidence and a clear head. In a nutshell, living at Sunnyside Apartments has been more than just having a roof over my head—it’s given me a community, a space to thrive academically, and the support I needed to adjust and succeed in a new city. The friendships I’ve made, the study spaces I’ve used, and the overall experience have all contributed to my growth as a student. Winning this scholarship would be a meaningful recognition of how much living here has positively impacted my academic career, and I’m truly grateful for everything Sunnyside has provided me. |
| Living at Sunnyside Graduate Apartments has been an absolute delight. As a graduate student, I couldn't have asked for a better living situation. From the moment I moved in, I was impressed by the newness and quality of the accommodation. The apartment came fully furnished with brand-new items, including a comfortable sofa, tables, chairs, oven, refrigerator, and microwave. This made my move-in process incredibly smooth - I only needed to bring my personal belongings. The convenience of having everything ready upon arrival cannot be overstated, especially for busy graduate students. Security is a top priority at Sunnyside. The lobby has restricted access in the evenings, ensuring that only residents can enter. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that my living space is safe and secure. Cleanliness is another standout feature. The hallways and lobby are cleaned daily by dedicated staff, maintaining a fresh and pleasant atmosphere throughout the building. It's always a pleasure to walk through these well-maintained common areas. My apartment on the second floor of the east wing is perfectly positioned to catch the morning sun. True to its name, Sunnyside delivers a daily dose of sunshine that brightens my mood and energizes me for the day ahead. The view from my window extends to distant mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop to my daily life. The location is incredibly convenient. With a bus stop right outside the building, I have easy access to both public transportation and campus shuttles. This makes commuting to classes and around the city a breeze. One of the best aspects of living at Sunnyside is the sense of community. The management regularly organizes social events like donut evenings and pizza parties. These gatherings have been fantastic opportunities to meet my neighbors and make new friends. The atmosphere among residents is friendly and respectful, with everyone maintaining a considerate attitude towards their fellow graduate students. For those who appreciate quiet study spaces, Sunnyside doesn't disappoint. The reading room is a serene haven, furnished with comfortable sofas perfect for long study sessions. On nice days, I can even step out onto the balcony adjoining the reading room to enjoy the outdoor scenery while I work. The proximity to my lab is another major plus. Being so close to campus allows me to easily pop home for lunch or a quick break between experiments. This convenience has greatly improved my work-life balance. In conclusion, my experience at Sunnyside Graduate Apartments has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of new furnishings, excellent amenities, prime location, and friendly community makes it an ideal home for graduate students. I'm thoroughly enjoying my time here and hope to renew my lease for the upcoming year. For anyone seeking a comfortable, convenient, and community-oriented living space near campus, I wholeheartedly recommend Sunnyside Graduate Apartments. |
| Living at Sunnyside has benefitted my academic career in various ways. For starters, living in a beautiful apartment for an affordable price decreases the financial stress that comes with being in a full-time graduate program, allowing me to focus more fully on my schoolwork. It’s also the first housing I’ve lived in as a college student that doesn’t feel like they’re trying to rip me off. The clubhouse is large and can be reserved for free if your apartment doesn’t allow for a lot of guests. The parking passes are only $3 per year, with plenty of parking spaces for everyone, and rent includes all additional costs (e.g. utilities, WiFi, etc). On top of being budget-friendly, the maintenance staff is extremely kind and quick to resolve any issues. Sunnyside also offers numerous community events, which have allowed me to make friends in and out of my program, creating a sense of belonging. Getting to meet people in the complex from other countries has broadened my cultural understanding, which will benefit me in my future career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. The study rooms on each floor are a major plus as well, making quiet spaces for individual and/or group study easily accessible. I equally love the convenience of its location. I can take a U shuttle to and from campus and clinic, saving money on parking passes and gas, avoiding the craziness of morning and afternoon traffic. Sunnyside is my all-time favorite housing in Salt Lake for these reasons, and I brag about it to everyone I meet. I honestly can’t think of a single thing I dislike about living here, that’s how great it’s been! |
| Living at Sunnyside Apartments has been a dream come true for our family. We've lived here since 2019, and it has exceeded all our expectations. It’s even better than Carlos Moreno’s “15-minute city” concept—because for us, it’s a “5-minute city” reality. The convenience of living here has not only saved us time and money but has also helped create a happier, healthier lifestyle that has positively impacted both our academic and work careers. By using e-bikes, we’re able to commute just five minutes to work and school, and daycare is only a five-minute walk away. Local attractions, such as sporting events, museums, and mountain biking trails, are also just minutes from our home. This proximity has allowed us to focus more on what truly matters—our education, family, and well-being. As a nurse working at the University of Utah hospital, while my husband attended medical school through the University of Utah, I was able to pick up extra shifts—even as short as three hours—without worrying about traffic, parking, or lengthy commutes. This was especially beneficial during the Covid pandemic when the extra hours helped us pay off a significant amount of debt. Living so close to the Health Science Education Building allowed us to attend more educational meetings with luncheons, and we relied heavily on the student food bank for sustenance during those challenging times. The tight-knit community here has been invaluable. Community events have helped us bond with our neighbors, and our toddler has made friends just steps from our front door, fostering a strong sense of safety and connection. The staff at Sunnyside also goes above and beyond, ensuring the apartments feel like home despite their age. Even when maintenance issues arise, they are promptly addressed, often fixing things we didn’t even realize were broken. Living at Sunnyside Apartments has provided us with countless opportunities—academically, professionally, and personally. We are deeply grateful for the experiences and relationships we’ve built here. We know how fortunate we’ve been to live in this “5-minute city” environment. It has truly been a catalyst for our academic success and has provided a brighter future for our family. |
| Living in the Sunnyside Apartments has had a huge impact on my academic success. Last semester I lived with my parents in Spanish Fork Utah. I had to wake up at 5am to commute to the University of Utah every day. This commuting left me little time to focus on homework, to hold a job that would allow me to pay for tuition, and to have the personal time I needed. All of these trials were a huge stumbling block and the stress combined with my medical problems left me sleep deprived. Now that I’ve moved to the Sunnyside apartments, I can hop on a shuttle that drops me off directly to my classes. I have study rooms on my apartment floor that provides me with a place of peace to do homework. My GPA is the highest it’s ever been in my college career and I’m doing it all while holding a part-time job. With all these stumbling blocks removed I’ve been able to manage my stress. I have an auto-immune disorder that has made it so I haven’t slept through the night since my diagnosis in 2012. Due to my stress being at an all-time low, I’m overjoyed to be enjoying the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. This has been a huge blessing in my life because I feel so much happier and more energized. Living in these apartments has also helped my marriage. I got married in August 2024 and it has been a big life adjustment. We moved into the Sunnyside apartments, both undergraduate students with little money. We’re grateful that we have a place that is so nice and affordable. A place that we’ve been able to call our home. My wife and I have enjoyed the community events that have connected us with others and strengthened our marriage. These amenities have allowed me to take the most advantage of my time outside of the classroom and to find balance between studying and having fun. I don’t know where I’d be without living in this apartment complex and I’m so grateful that I have a place to call my own. |
| Living at Sunnyside Apartments has been an incredibly positive experience that has significantly benefited my academic career. From the moment we decided to move, the swift response from the property management team ensured that everything was set up even before we arrived in the United States. This proactive assistance saved us a considerable amount in hotel expenses and provided peace of mind, knowing that our new home was ready and waiting for us. The convenience of paying just one bill each month has streamlined our finances, allowing me to manage our budget with greater confidence and less stress. These practical advantages have freed up valuable time and mental energy, enabling me to focus more intensely on my studies. As a Ph.D. student, the demands of coursework and research can be overwhelming, but the supportive environment at Sunnyside has alleviated many of the typical pressures associated with graduate student life. Moreover, Sunnyside Apartments has been a home for me and a community for my wife. Since she is on an F2 visa, her opportunities are limited. However, Sunnyside's various activities and events have allowed her to meet new friends and build a social network. Encouraged by her new friends, she has taken the initiative to enroll in non-credit courses at the university's continuing education college, conveniently within walking distance. This has given her a sense of purpose and belonging, enriching her experience while we are here. Living at Sunnyside Apartments has transformed what could have been a stressful and isolating period into a bright and fulfilling chapter of our lives. The supportive community and convenient amenities have not only enhanced our day-to-day living but have also profoundly impacted my ability to concentrate on my academic pursuits. Sunnyside has played a pivotal role in advancing my academic career by alleviating financial concerns and providing a nurturing environment for both me and my wife. |