Information on College Living
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009With only a few short months of summer until you begin your new life away at college, the time is ripe to consider your living arrangements for next year. Here is some information on college living to help you through the process. You might find yourself asking, should I live on or off campus? How do you feel sharing a bed room with someone else, possibly of the opposite sex? It’s important to find somewhere you can be happy and secure that is within your budget. Getting the right information on college residences is essential before deciding where to make camp for your freshman year.
Living on campus can have its pros and cons. Your university may have requested that you provide them with personal information on college living preferences in order to best match you with a dorm mate or a residence hall. You should consider that living in the dorms is a great way to meet people, especially if you’re not the outgoing type. On the other hand, if you value privacy, you may desire a living arrangement that provides more personal space. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is a living arrangement for you:
Single-sex dormitories are either single or shared by two-people. The entire building may be single-sex, or its halls and floors may be divided by sex. This type of living arrangement may appeal to religious or modest types but can also include people looking to make strong friendships. Many students are more comfortable amongst their own sex. Single sex housing can be a place where great friendships are cultivated.
Co-ed dormitories: Gender neutral housing has been growing in demand. It has been championed by those who identify as gender non-conforming, transgender, or gender queer. This means sharing bathrooms, common rooms, and bedrooms. A pilot project at SUNY Geneseo to make one residence hall gender-neutral is set to go ahead for the 2009-2010 year. Co-ed rooming has been a controversial topic among parents and students for years. If you and your parents don’t want a co-ed living environment, then be sure to inform the people at college housing services. Dormitories are also advantageous for the residence assistance and other services provided.
Apartments have three to four bedrooms and a shared common area. They may be co-ed or single sex. The great part of apartment life is that it prepares you for off campus living after your first year of college. Individuals who like their independence and are not worried about meeting new people are good candidates for apartments. If you like the idea of having your own living space, and don’t mind the lack of services, then apartments are a good bet.
Beware of the information college housing services provide. Colleges often go the extra mile to try to get you to stay in college housing, as it is a source of revenue for them. College housing differs in price and amenities–find the one that fits with your personality and your budget. In a city where rent is infamously expensive, such as New York, student housing may actually be cheaper than off-campus alternatives. Other college towns or cities might have off-campus housing that is more affordable, yet still close to campus. Compare costs between living on campus and off to see if on-campus housing is the right choice for you.
