At one time, I was contemplating moving off campus, but not having a car here at school really limits the places I'd want to live. Plus, I like living in the dorms because it's easier to keep in touch with what's going on around campus every day. It's also easier for me to get up in the mornings and go to class. If I were living off campus, I'm sure I'd be skipping class a lot more often than I do now. There are also many nights when I wait until the last minute and stay up late finishing my laundry for the next day. Some apartments don't even have laundry facilities available, and without a car, that would make it difficult for me to get my clothes washed.

I also think that living in the dorms is a big social plus. I live in Muse, and I met so many people here just within the first couple weeks of school. It's pretty cool that I can mail letters free of charge to other people who live on campus. Also, have you ever noticed how most of us who do live in the dorms take our network connections for granted? It's hard to imagine life without AOL Instant Messenger or ICQ, but some people in apartments don't have this luxury!

Finally, nothing compares to the feeling of getting up in the mornings and knowing that I'll have hot water. Then again, sometimes it's kind of nerve wrecking taking your shower and wondering if the fire alarm is going to go off while you're in the nude.

Just as is the case with most other pleasures in life, there are some downfalls that come along with the package. I have to admit the one thing I hate the most about living in Muse is the random fire drills we have. It's especially bad on cold nights when you're under your covers shivering, wondering if someone's going to pull the alarm in the middle of the night as a prank.

The second dorm disadvantage on my list would be all of the rules and regulations we have. I think you should be allowed to have visitors at any hour as long as you're not disrupting other residents. Also, what is the problem in having visitors of the opposite sex stay with you overnight?

Sharing a room and bathroom with other people isn't always fun either, but then again, living in a dorm is just part of your college experience! You'll have the rest of your life to live in an apartment, so why not enjoy the fun memories of living in the dorms while they last?

My friends who live off campus say that they can't imagine ever moving back into the dorms, so there's got to be something out there that I've been missing! Some people say that living in their apartment is cheaper than living on campus because simple things, like making meals at home, cut down on living costs. They also like having places to park their cars, and they even claim that they get food delivered faster. Amanda Vencill, a sophomore at Radford, said, "I think it's easier to study in your own room, and I like how there are no RA's or RD's watching over you all the time. Besides, it's fun to just walk around in your underwear sometimes." Most people agree and add that living in an apartment is a benefit because it helps to prepare you for the real world.

Name: Ms. T.
Year: You got to be kidding
Major: Life
Comments:
Great article, Kathleen. Good to point out both sides. Parents, while trying to be fair, yet practical, can see both sides, too. The cramped living of dorm life, no privacy, always noisey, etc., etc., but a great compromise between mommy and daddy's home to being totally on one's own. Off campus living, though fun and appealing, limits your campus opportunities, and makes it more tempting to miss class. Money can be a big issue. Don't believe that it'll be cheaper, or probably every parent would say, "Go for it". There's always something you didn't plan for but becomes absolutely necessary. More freedom, more choices, with off campus housing can be real appealing. The main reason of coming to college is to get the best education you can. The rest of your life awaits your choice of housing. If off campus is the route you take, do make a commitment to making your classes, keeping up with your on campus friends, and taking advantage of all campus has to offer. Have a plan. Check things out. Be smart. Be safe. Big decisions. I'm glad I don't have to make them.

Name: Kim
Year: senior
Major: German and History
Comments:
I lived on campus for one year and then moved off. I've been off campus for four years and I wish more than ever that I could have moved back on campus. I think the monetary expenses associated with living off campus are outrageous! You have to pay for utilities (~$75/month), cable (~$33/month, more if you get the premium channels), telephone (min.$30/month and that's just to pay to have a phone hooked up), groceries plus rent. All of this adds up to a very costly expense. Living off campus is great if you want to live with your sweetie (which I do), if you have pets (which I do) and if you just can't get along with roommates (it's easy to have my own way with my fiance!). Living off campus is just too damn expensive!!!! I know I won't get my security deposit back, I know I'm going to be charged for many damages to the apt. (which I haven't done) and my lease doesn't end in May like the dorms do. I also feel bad for my father who has shelled out over $7,000 for rent for all the years I've lived off campus. Plus he's paid for my utilities bills. Many students don't have as generous a father as I do. Point being- stay on campus for as long as you can. It's worth it in the long run.

Name: Brian
Comments:
Having lived both on and off campus now, I can say that each option has its own advantages. Living on campus really does keep you in touch with what's going on at RU. I agree with you, Kathleen. That is the one thing I don't have here off campus. On the other hand, it was always nice to see women in their PJs and boxer shorts walking around the halls. I miss that. I miss that a lot. I can't imagine moving back on campus after having lived off, but I know that the pajama/boxers thing would definitely make my decision easier to live with . tee hee hee