The argument for and against living on campus versus commuting rages on. Many argue that students will not get the true college experience if they live off campus. However, others say that where you live does not make a difference.
“I just think you’d miss out on a lot of stuff if you live off campus,” claims Olivia Zyszczynski ’17. “I’ve lived on campus for the past three years, and I think that [shoddy]dorms make the college experience more authentic.”
The standard residence hall consists of countless dorm rooms ranging from singles to quads, oftentimes not so private or clean bathrooms, a common room, and dingy laundry rooms in the basement with the questionable scent of mold. Residence halls are seen as large communities within colleges. They help to establish and foster friendships and prepare students for the real world.
Residence hall life also teaches personal responsibility, as well as the ability to get along with others. “Since you see the people in your residence hall every day, if there is someone you don’t like you just learn to deal with it,” continues Zyszczynski. Many students come to college having never done a load of laundry in their life, others have never had to live off of microwaved Ramen for days at a time.
“I’ve lived on campus for three years (and commuted for one), and there really is a difference. Since I’m living off campus this year, I can’t just call up my friends to meet up at the Student Center,” says Evan Ausich ’16. “I also think that living on campus is more distracting because you do have access to people 24/7. Hanging out with friends and other distractions are always a temptation that many do not need or want.
” Another part of living on campus is the inability to see your loved ones or friends from home. “I would commute if my home weren’t so far away. I don’t see my family as often as I would like to because there’s no way for me to go home regularly,” says Bernie Facio ’18.
As someone who also has both commuted and lived in a residence hall, I have to agree. You really do miss out on a lot because you are not around for any parties, ACPs, or campus events. I personally prefer living in a residence hall because of the ability to come and go as I please, as well as being in close proximity to my friends. Being able to hang out with friends at four in the morning without someone questioning my whereabouts is sometimes fairly appealing.
Overall, it comes down to personal preference. Commuting takes a special kind of dedication to drive through pouring rain, whiteouts, sleet, and slush. Long drives on a daily basis are not for the faint of heart, but neither is living in a residence hall. Loud parties and God-awful bagpipes harkening the morning light and impending football games are not for everyone, either. But one way or another, people will be able to find a niche on campus and, like everyone else, adapt.
