Trying both housing options helps

As an incoming freshman, did it ever feel like there were so many choices as to which dorm to live in? Well, after the first year, there are even more choices with the wide array of off-campus housing. Some people love it, while others prefer the dorms. Just like everything, there are pros and cons to both.

Living on your own is a big step in life, and living off campus helps create independence, which comes with more responsibility. When living in a residence hall, it's not that big of a deal because students or parents pay all of the bills at the beginning of the semester. The dorm is paid for and meals are taken care of.

So what happens when students live off campus? Depending on where they live, it is important to remember that rent is due at the first of every month, and on top of that, so is Excel and perhaps other utilities. Then, the big question for a lot of college students is, "Who's going to cook for me?"

Sorry guys, Ramen noodles and Easy Mac aren't going to cut it every night.  Of course, you still have the option of purchasing a meal plan, but sometimes you may find it more convenient to just eat at home.

On the positive side of off-campus living, there are no quiet hours. Not unless they're created, anyway. You set the rules. What's better than living some place where the only rules you follow are your own and your roommates'?

Speaking of roommates, yes the majority of students who live off campus have at least one roommate, but you usually have your own room. That means privacy. We all love privacy, and sometimes that's impossible to have while living in a residence hall. Having your own bedroom means you can sneak off and have some time alone to yourself. It also means that you may not have to go to the library to find a quiet place to study.

Another big positive is that there are no more community bathrooms, and sometimes, you will even have your own bathroom. So, if you plan on living off campus, go ahead and throw those shower shoes in the trash.

A lot of students wonder if it's cheaper to live on or off campus. There isn't a correct answer for that question. If you live off campus, the cost of rent might be cheaper than living in a dorm, but most students have to pay cable, Internet, utilities and groceries, which can be the same price, less or even more expensive than residing on-campus.

It is wise to try both. Students are typically in college for at least four years, so why not experience living off campus for at least a year. It's something that needs to be done someday. Gaining the necessary experience to living independently can only happen through getting out there and trying it out.

—Jacqueline Lomax, is a junior journalism major and a staff reporter for The Mirror