Around this time each year, people are seen begging, pleading and even going as far as camping out. No, we aren’t talking about the bums on the street; we are talking about students looking to rent an apartment for their next year. With some of the most expensive real estate in Madison, J Michael & Steve Brown have become house hold names for those who don’t mind indulging in over-priced apartments with over-the-top amenities. The race to rent is as fierce as ever, especially with new buildings such as Lucky as well as old favorites on Langdon Street. So if you are interested in living the life of luxury in a town that most likely didn’t create it, you better get a head start now.

People are doing some crazy things to get their hands on the goods…

If you are looking to live five minutes away from classes and just seconds away from all that State Street has to offer, why not live on the street that houses all the sororities and fraternities on campus. Langdon Street, home of foolishness and frat parties, is also where J Michael decided to build some of his most sought after apartment buildings, such as 619 and 625. These buildings, filled with those who don’t mind spending over $700 a person, will enjoy the luxuries of the location and on-site laundry, as well as bragging rights. With more and more people getting excited about Langdon, the fight for these select apartments has been as fierce as ever. People have been spotted putting letters under doors of certain apartments begging and offering money to seniors who may be moving out. Not only are students providing bribes, they must also pack their bags for a 2 day camp out if they aren’t lucky enough to have someone sign their apartment over to them. With the J Michael system becoming cult-like, giving preference to those already in the JM system, students are on the prowl to make their way in, and up.

Though Langdon Street has its perks, some would rather be away from all the messiness and mayhem Langdon receives on the weekends. Students looking to live further away but in buildings just as nice as those on Langdon are turning to the Equinox and 420 West Gorham, buildings right across from one another. Both of these buildings, furnished and fancy, draw students in each year causing leases to be signed left and right. If you are looking for an apartment unlike any other, attempt to get your hands on one of the penthouses in 420 that offers a sprawling patio and 2 levels of floor space. Now this is what you call over the top; over the top of Gorham, that is.

And just when you thought apartment living couldn’t get any luckier, the 777 hit university and opened its doors this year for those willing to spend close to $1,000 a month per person. Lucky, the building that has merely been a myth until now has its own doorman, floor to ceiling windows, and some of the ritziest kids you’ll ever find. Unlike any other building, Lucky has become like a world of its own, with a food court, maid service and concierge. Sound like a hotel? It pretty much is: a hotel for 20-something students who don’t mind living up high for impeccably high prices. Feeling lucky or feeling broke?

So if you find yourself in the mood to spend big and live it up this year, these buildings just might be up to your standards. From Gorham to Equinox, Langdon to Lucky, these buildings provide it all for those willing to participate in the race to rent.