Living on or off campus

Which is right for YOU?

By Jennifer Hankel and Jennifer Bell

At the University of Minnesota Duluth, students are faced with a choice. This choice could affect students lives during their acedemic careers. Is it better to live on campus, or off campus?

OFF CAMPUS

There are many choices when choosing a living situation off of campus. Students have a wide variety of options. Students have the option to live in an apartment, or a house, or even staying with their parents!

Benefits:

Choice of roommates/ people who live with you
More living space- have a kitchen, living room, etc.
More independence

Disadvantages:

Longer commute to school
More responsibility as tenants
Must buy own food
Must pay monthly (if renting)

Usually, it's mostly upperclassmen who live off campus, because of the financial responsibilities. After getting to know people your freshman year in the dorms, you will have plenty of time to live on your own the next few years in college. Living off campus can be exciting and a new experience, but can also take away from meeting your classmates.

ON CAMPUS

The living options on campus are limited but have alot of opportunities and resources!

Benefits:

Have everything you need right on campus
More opportunities to meet new people
Closer to school
Never have to walk outside
Don't have to pay monthly rent
There are more fun activities that you will have access to

Disadvantages:

Must share a room
Usually more costly
Less living space
Must have a meal plan

For Freshman, it is usually the best idea to live on campus your first year because all of the resources availible to you. You will get to know many people, students and staff though floor activities! Having an Resident Advisor, you will have someone to go to incase a problem arises. Having a roommate is not so bad, it is actually a very rewarding experience. Some roommate stay close friends well after college!