A Simple Heads Up

Lately, some of my friends have been lightly chattering amongst fellow students whether they want to be living in the dorms next semester, next year or not. Students find out what they don’t like in roommates, the weird quirky habits that rack your every nerve, or maybe even just strong dislikes in each others’ favorite types of music that may make you want to bash your head against a wall. Living on campus has a lot of perks to it, yet so does living off campus. How many sacrifices are you willing to make in deciding to move out of the dorms?
Living off of campus definitely is something I don’t regret choosing to do at a four-year college away from home. If someone would have told me the about the responsibilities of living on my own in more detail, with the expenses, managing my time better, how to balance those annoying shifts at work and that conscience nagging check book, things may have been a little less crazy and stressful.

There are many little things that we don’t notice growing up that are important aspects of living on our own, down to cleaning supplies, groceries, clothes and even scissors or tape. Furniture, dishes, silverware, toothpaste, tissues, toilet paper and a whole lot more are all things that can cost a lot of money and seem like never ending needs.

Unlike living off campus, you have a meal plan in dorms if you choose, and don’t have to grocery shop on your own. You mainly have a bed and chairs or a little couch and some lamps provided by the school. Dishes aren’t a huge need, having dining centers with the already paid bill that allows you to indulge in daily meals. And, if something needs to be fixed, you just contact your RA for assistance.

A huge perk to living off campus is the freedom to come and go as you choose, according to the situation with your roommates, if that’s the case. Most the time, you have your own room, a kitchen, possibly a backyard and you don’t have to wait for half of your floor to get done with laundry. Grocery shopping can also be a blast if you have enough cash, and you get a bit more range with what you want in your diet. But, all of that comes with a price and many responsibilities.

If you’re looking to live off campus, simply know that it can really test your patience and personal will power and control over the money you earn yourself. In a few aspects, it can be a whole lot cheaper than dorm life in the long run, but during the current time, life can be pricey. It has a lot more responsibility tied to it than you would ever imagine. If you’re ready for it, I highly encourage you to get out in the real world and experience true independence and how much you are willing to bend for those freedoms.

Suzy is a junior majoring in journalism.