Dorms vs. Apartment
Commentary
By Hilary Strickland
Summer Forty-Niner
Deciding whether
to live on or off campus is no easy task. There are pros and cons to both
living situations.
Cost is the first
thing any college student will take into consideration.
According to the
Financial Aid office at Cal State Long Beach, the cost of living on campus
including fees, registration, books and etc. is approximately $9,498 and
living off campus is about $12,500.
Students living on
campus can take advantage of the dining hall, paid utilities and an easy
walk to class.
For first-time freshmen
and transfer students, living in the Residence Halls is a great way to
become familiar with the campus and meet new people.
Living off campus
has its advantages too. There may not be someone there to do all the cooking,
but at least, the kitchen never closes.
According to the
Financial Aid Office, $12,500 is an approximate figure that includes utilities,
food and school expenses.
Even though living
off-campus may cost more, the money is spent on a whole private apartment
or house and not just a bedroom.
Students living off-campus
also don’t have to vacate the premises during the winter or summer break.
Sharing an apartment with friends is also a good way to assert one’s independence
or at least get the ball rolling, and also share the expenses.
Basically, it depends
on where one’s priorities lie, and given the shortage of on-campus housing,
the decision has already been made for many.
Keep in mind either
situation will be as good or bad as you make it.
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