The Beaucoup section writes about their experience with on and off-campus housing. Below are their thoughts.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam
Managing Editor
During my time at college, I have lived, and continue to live, off-campus with my family.
Living with my family while continuing my education helped me avoid missing them because I don’t know what I would do without them.
However, a part of me wishes that I had taken the decision to live on-campus, as it provides a different perspective. I know many colleagues that live on-campus, and from what I have observed, their lives seem to be quite convenient, as they have all University resources close to them and get to live with friends. When you live on-campus, you get an experience, one that teaches you about the various people and personalities in this world and how to ultimately get along with them. So, although I love living off-campus, a part of me regrets the experience I could have had.
Nyria Mustiful
Allons Editor
Currently, I stay in Legacy Park Apartments on campus. Overall, I would say that I enjoy my on-campus living experience. However, there are a few minute details that don’t sit well with me. Firstly, the ventilation in my bathroom is not regularly cleaned, which contributes to the spawning of black mold, particularly in my toilet.
I had an issue with black mold last year in my dorm, so I know that it is from the vents.
Secondly, the outdated infrastructure in Legacy leads to things malfunctioning or breaking consistently, such as the air conditioning. I don’t know about others, but I don’t want to be in 80 degree weather with no AC and only a tiny fan to keep cool. Other than those problems, my apartment is fine. I don’t think I’d prefer to live off campus, nevertheless, because I don’t currently have a vehicle, so commuting would be a pain.
Marie Ducote
Allons Writer
I would say one of the best decisions I made was deciding to live at home during college. It is nice to have a support system nearby and being close to my parents I know that I have two people who will always have my back. In my house I have my desk which gives me a place to do my work. I like having that dedicated space where I can write my essays and articles.
Sometimes I do think about what my life would be like if I did live on campus, but overall I never had any regrets living with my parents. I know that I have time after college to live by myself and I value the time I can spend with my family and friends. My house is a place where I can unwind and relax. To me it is always nice to have a familiar place to come back to after a long day of classes.
Kay Padilla
Editor-In-Chief
I have lived in Baker Hall and Legacy Park Apartments on campus. I have not had a bad experience living on campus, so far. Occasionally, I get the odd experience of people banging on doors, or being a little too loud, but that is a thing that happens in any apartment-like living situation.
One upside I like about living in Legacy is not having to do multiple fire drills a semester and being woken up from a nap or interrupted during a study session.
I like having a full functioning kitchen that I only have to share with my roommate instead of an entire building.
There are occasionally maintenance requests I have to do, but the maintenance crew has never let me down.
I don’t think living off-campus would be for me, I have everything I need within walking distance and I don’t have to worry about monthly rent.