Anisa Jibrell – News Writer
Going from living on campus to commuting and vice versa can be a bittersweet shift for many students. Students like Jose Diaz, senior, admit that commuting offers more flexibility but living on-campus is something everyone should experience at least once.
“Everyone should live on campus for at least one or two years,” said Diaz. “Preferably I would do it freshman and sophomore year. It’s a part of the college experience.”
Diaz said forming a strong social life the first two years is key to having a long-lasting social on campus, regardless if you live on campus or not.
Initially, Diaz was planning on commuting this semester but opted out and decided to live in a townhouse instead due to transportation issues.
“At this point in my education. I’m already a senior so I think it would’ve been a better decision for me to commute. But from a freshman or sophomore standpoint I think it’s a good opportunity for them to get a little taste of the real world but not go a little too crazy. Definitely get that experience of being away from home.”
Freshman, Brandon Lyn, said although he’s not content with his room situation, there’s more pros than cons to living on campus.
“My room in Neff hall is a triple and there’s no AC,” said Lyn. “It’s really hot and all clogged up, but that’s what you get sometimes and you just have to deal with it. “
Lyn said some of the perks of living on campus include; being able to interact with more people, access to resident advisors, and campus police being nearby in case of an emergency. He also said that roommates tend to mirror each other’s actions, so if your roommate has good habits you’re in luck.
“My roommates study a lot so it makes me want to study too, and not let them think I’m idle or a procrastinator,” said Lyn.
Senior, Amariah Boland went from living on campus to commuting, a decision that she was hard to make.
“If you like the isolation and a more flexible schedule where you can work and stay at home then commuting is your best bet,” said Boland. “But the parking for commuters is crazy.”
Boland said one of the biggest things she disliked about living on campus was the “unnecessary” guest policy.
“I’ve been written up plenty of times,” said Boland. “I don’t see the point of having a guest policy, we’re all grown.”
Besides the guest policy, Boland also wasn’t a fan of certain living arrangements.
“It’s really a hit or a miss. Sometimes you’re blessed with a double, sometimes you’re stuck in a 4-person or 5-person room,” said Boland. “Which are terrible.”
Carly Mathews, freshman, said she regrets not living on campus her first year.
“It’s hard to make friends because everyone just forms their own clique with their roommates and what not. If I knew I’d feel this isolated I would’ve just lived on campus but it’s too late now,” said Mathews.
However, Mathews says one of the good things about living off campus your freshman year is that you have a copious amount of time on your hands because you’re not busy socializing. Although it’ just the first week Mathews said she feels more productive than ever.
“Isolation can be a good thing sometimes,” said Mathews.
Photo Credit: Staff Photo
