Living off-campus seems like an appealing situation to many, but students find both pros and cons to residing outside the university system.
The basic advantages of a private residence are greater levels of independence, more space and personal bathrooms, said Jessica Laborde, an education junior who has lived off-campus for the past two years.
“I live to take bubble baths,” Laborde said. “Also, it is great to have a washer and dryer. I can throw a shirt in the dryer before I go out at night without having to wash an entire load of clothes like I used to have to do when I lived on-campus.”
Some students think that an on-campus experience is necessary in order to fully appreciate the perks of living in an apartment or house.
“Taking a shower without shoes on–that is priceless,” said Garrett Ford, a secondary education junior who has had both on and off campus experiences. “I like to have a full kitchen too. I took both of those things for granted when I lived at home, but after living in a dormitory, I am thankful for a lot of little things.”
Exposure to an on-campus lifestyle can be a valuable experience.
“Living in the dorm taught me important lessons that carry over to my apartment life,” Laborde said. “Sharing a small living space with someone [in the dorm] taught me to be a good housemate. I understand how vital it is to clean up after yourself and respect other people’s space.”
Some upperclassmen view dormitories as a rite of passage.
“When you are a freshman in college, it is often the first time you have ever had a lot of freedom to make your own choices,” Ford said. “There are still some rules in the dorm, like no alcohol is allowed and no member of the opposite sex can spend the night in your room. Dorms ease you into college life because the teach you how to make responsible decisions without suppressing newfound freedom. I think everyone needs that experience.”
There are negative aspects to living off-campus as well.
“All the on-campus residence halls and apartments have such convenient locations,” said Molly Mann, a mass communication freshman and resident of Miller Hall. “I can wake up five minutes before class and still be there on time.”
Living off-campus could also include unforeseen expenses.
“When I lived in the dorm, LSU provided cable TV and Internet connections,” Ford said. “I have to pay for that myself in my townhouse, plus other commodities that I never had thought about, like toilet paper, cleaning supplies and groceries. The cost really adds up.”
Student study habits could also be affected by where they decide to live.
“I once thought I would study more next year if I moved off-campus, but then I realized that everytime I visit friends that live in houses or apartments, they always seem to be partying,” Mann said. “I don’t see a point in moving off-campus next year anymore. In the dorm, I can study and sleep in a safe and quiet environment, but I can also come and go as I please.”
Students agree there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to live on or off-campus.
“Think about the way you live and study,” Laborde said. “There are definitely things that you sacrifice in order to live off-campus and I think the convenience of not having to commute is a major deciding factor for a lot of people.”