Pros and Cons of Off-Campus Living

By Lacey Ross on August 22, 2013

Subtitle: Sophomore Slump (Or Comeback of the Year)

Are we growing up or just going down?

(Starting this year off with Fall Out Boy lyrics is a daring move, I know.)

I’m back at school! I’m older, I’m wiser, and I’m living off-campus!

So far, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. I’m not dreaming wistfully of my dorm days, either. I’m conveniently stuck between a rock and a hard place, two delightful negatives that college students will face until the end of time. I want to use my first article of my sophomore year to highlight the pros and cons of off-campus living, from the perspective of someone who has lived off-campus for eight long days.

Pro: I am living with seven (yes, seven) of my favorite women in the world. Eight 19 year olds under one roof. I get to be with my friends at all times of day: when I wake up, when I’m leaving for school, when I’m attempting to use a gas stove for the first time, when I’m lamenting over first day of school homework, when I’m red and sweaty after a run, when I’m crying over what I’m watching that day on Netflix, when I’m philosophically pondering my direction in life, they are always a few feet away. We are all individually strong and motivated, so we keep each other going. I’ll always have a home to return to. I got to choose these housemates, which you only get the luxury of doing on-campus if you have friends that go to the same school. I never did random roommate assignment, but it seems risky.

Con: Neighbors. At this point in my tenure here, they’re causing my housemates and I a lot of grief. I understood and enjoyed the constant parties during the week before class started. I sort of understand the parties during Welcome Week at OSU when the freshmen start to explore the magical world of “off-campus”. Once class starts, however, the wall-shaking bass and the throwback jams (although I do love Shwayze) should stop at, say, 9-ish? It’s 12 and the glowing hula-hoops just came out. One more night of this and I think I may give up and join them.

[Although my house isn't as cute as these UPenn off-campus houses, it could charm the pants off any visitor.]

Pro: IT’S CHEAPER (for the most part). Of course, it depends on the price of rent/utilities/parking/what have you. Lots of roommates make things cheaper. I live five minutes away from campus on foot for a substantially smaller amount than it cost to live in a massive tower 25 minutes away from everything. Add the price of groceries and furniture/home supplies and I strongly believe you’ll still come out cheaper. Plus you get to cook your own meals, and everyone knows that’s the first step to becoming an adult.

Con: Living on campus is, for the most part, a comfort for those just entering the collegiate world (a.k.a. freshman). You will find many upperclassmen still living on campus, and I’m sure they will say it is because they found it convenient, close to their classes, safe, and a great way to socialize and make new friends. All of the overwhelming desires of an incoming freshman! Those are all pros that some off-campus students don’t have at their home. I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t miss living in a well air-conditioned suite with secure entrances and almost entirely silent surroundings.

Pro: There’s a powerful feeling of ownership that comes with living in a home rather than a dorm. Most dorms radiate impersonality. Saying “Come visit me at my house!” is inherently more satisfying than saying “Come visit me in my dorm”. In a house, you choose the furniture, you pick your room, you lock your bike up on the front porch, and you sit on the patio and enjoy life.

Con: Dealing with landlords! Having to pay your rent on time or die. Having a higher housing power to answer to besides your RA. Having to call repairmen when your basement suddenly barfs up washing machine water from the depths. Having a front door that doesn’t like to unlock. Dorms are the closest living arrangement to perfection, condition-wise.

Here concludes the tales of a former dorm squatter. I keep telling myself that one day, I’ll live alone.

[A map of the surrounding "off-campus" areas.]

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