On or off campus? The forever debate

Freshmen are required to live on campus unless other plans are made. Most sophomores stay on campus, but then after that, it is up to each student to choose on campus or off campus. What is better, living on campus or off campus? There are good attributes and there are downsides like most things in life. 

PROS for on campus living:

1. You live right next to your classes. Have an 8:00 a.m. class and wake up at 7:50? Not a big deal; throw on some pants and walk out of the dorm and still get to class on time. 
2. You meet a ton of people. Some you may not like, but others may become your best friends. 
3. You are involved in the school. Everything is happening right at your door step. 
4. In most cases, you don’t have to cook for yourself. This may be different in the apartments on campus. 
5. You don’t worry about bills like rent and utilities. You pay at the beginning of the semester and then boom – no more!
6. Don’t have to upkeep anything besides your dorm. 
7. Never lonely because people are always around. 
8. Don’t have to spend money on gas because you don’t need to drive anywhere. 

CONS of on campus living: 

1. It is seriously expensive. Maybe not compared to some other schools in Colorado, but it makes a dent. 
2. It can be loud.
3. You live in close proximity to people.
4. No real choice on roommates or your neighbors. 
5. It can be hard to sleep due to noise and those uncomfortable double beds. 
6. Sharing bathrooms can be not so fun.
7. Sharing living space can not be fun in general.
8. You don’t gain the responsibility and knowledge of living on your own.
9. You don’t learn about maintaining a household.
10. There are rules you have to follow like quite hours, no alcohol, no tobacco, etc. 
11. You cannot store your weapons. If you are hunter – this matters. 
12. You get kicked out over winter and summer breaks unless you appeal to stay. 
13. The food is not great quality and the hours are even worse. 

PROS of off campus

1. You have more space.
2. You get to choose who you live with or live by yourself.
3. You can choose the area.
4. You can have whatever you want in your house; your house, your rules.
5. There is a lot better commuter parking than resident hall parking.
6. It is cheaper.
7. You can eat what you want and when you want. No more stressing about getting to the cafeteria before it closes.
8. There is more peace and quiet.
9. There is more room for what you like to do.
10. You can have a garage.
11. You can have a backyard.
12. You can have a pet!
    

CONS of off campus

1. You have to pay bills – on time.
2. There is a lot more responsibility on you to take care of yourself.
3. You have to clean every room in the house and do your dishes.
4. You have to drive to class, which means planning ahead and leaving on time.
5. You are not as involved in campus life or it is not as easy since you have to drive over there to participate.
6. You have to take care of yourself and take care of your money
7. You don’t have friends or people around every corner, which some may think is a pro for off campus living. 

It is up to the individual if they want to live on campus or off campus. In my personal experience, I have loved living off campus. Dorm life was not for me, but I definitely am not as active in campus life as I was.

You take some and you lose some.