On Campus Living: Best Choice for New Students

Choosing a college and making the arrangements that go with that choice is difficult enough for new students without worrying about where you will live. While most students want the freedom of an off campus apartment, few realize what a difference the convenience and social interaction of on-campus living will make. Many students are finding that living on-campus has several advantages over apartment living including social and emotional support, as well as convenience.

Most colleges offer dorms for their students, some even require it the first few years. Admittedly, the rooms aren't necessarily "just like home" but there aren't many places that are. Perhaps the right choice of living arrangements lies less in the physical surroundings, and more in the social ones. College dorms do provide the new student with an instant family of sorts to offer support and encouragement the first few months. There are a number of social points of interaction that help get students involved in their dorm. The halls provide a variety of social areas including, lounges, front desk/information areas and game rooms. Often there are organized hall or floor events that encourage interaction among residents. Apartment living may be a little less social, unless your roommates stay home a lot. In addition, transportation to social events can be a problem. This can be difficult for a new student trying to make connections among unfamiliar faces.

With anything new comes a lot of questions,especially if you are a Freshman. RA's (Resident Advisors) are usually present on most floors or in dormitories to guide members of their floor communities and answer everyday questions. They are trained not only to keep the rules, but deal with social and emotional issues that are sure to come up the first few months. In addition, they (or other RA's) are available 24 hours a day and have a working relationship with campus security. They also have the ear of Asst. Resident Advisors, Hall Directors or other professional staff members who in turn offer resources and additional support when needed. This support system helps the new student navigate their surroundings with a bit more confidence.

Cost is another issue that can lead students to believing that off -campus living is cheaper. While the student may think they have more control over their bills (groceries, cable TV, phone service) living off-campus, they may actually find themselves in a financial bind meeting monthly rent and utilities. In addition, apartments may need more furnishings and supplies than a dorm room. Those living off-campus will have to provide cleaning supplies, furniture, and cooking utensils. On-campus residents typically have access to a number of amenities that would otherwise have to be purchased by apartment dwellers such as vacuums, small appliances and so forth. High speed internet and cable television are usually included in the residential room and board payment (which eliminates the worry over these monthly bills). And while community bathrooms aren't always the greatest, they are cleaned by other people on a regular basis which is more than a lot of apartment mates will do!

Food (of course) is a fun part of any college student's life, but grocery shopping isn't. With apartment living it is a must, and the preparation and clean up can be a source of contention. Food plans of all types are often available for on-campus residents. If this isn't convenient, more colleges and universities are implementing student "cash cards" which provide a debit balance to be used at various delis, short-order cafes or convenience stores on campus as well as the cafeteria. This frees the student up from having to make meals or grocery shop which can lead to less than healthy meal choices.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to live on-campus is the sheer convenience of its proximity to classrooms. Often it is very difficult to find on-campus parking, and most schools require the purchase of a parking permit for your vehicle whether you live on or off campus. Larger schools often provide shuttle services or tunnels to residents to make the cold weather walks to class a little easier. If nothing else, riding a bike or walking will help to burn off that "freshman 15."

While dorm living isn't everyone's cup of tea, it definitely has its advantages, especially for the freshman student. Be sure to check out the services available to your on-campus community before you choose the off-campus option. The social interaction and support is a major component of success for new students. You may also find it to be ultimately cheaper and more convenient in the end.