How do I factor in unique things about my apartment, such as courtyard view, insulated from three sides (no noise), above the (seldom used) gym.2. 

Pay attention to time lines and due dates for filing a protest.Think of all the problems with the property: too much traffic noise, too far away from the freeway entrance, close to flood zone, old tree may fall on it, poor sun exposure.

I expect some noise, that is normal in community living. 

The only place I lived where the train noise was horrendous, was a house I bought on the Canadian border in WA. 

Grilling, noise, plumbing, ...

What college students want in housing (whether an apartment or a house, in no particular order):-Proximity to campus-Parking - the more parking, the better-The neighbor situation - during college my buddy rented a house located next to a 9-5 business = no noise complaints when he had parties = awesome rental-Is there a yard for entertaining?

Dogs can destroy the quality of life for a whole building with their barking, and to a lesser extent noise in the hallways going in and out.

There is certainly some saber-rattling involved given the limited recourse available to such a person, even if you charitably assume that he could prove the nuisance sufficiently with adequate documentation.

And really, if you were looking for a place to rent, would you be happy to rent a place where the landlord is going to be there making noise after you move in, putting in landscaping?

Also, you are so right about the noise factor.