Living on Campus: A memorable and worthwhile experience

The question, “Is living on campus really worth the expense?” is short and sweet, but the answers given are not. Many would say yes and many would say no. Living on campus has its advantages and disadvantages. There are only two residence options on campus: Guinan or Young Hall. However, the expenses to both are very high, so is living on campus really worth the expense? 

Young Hall and Guinan are both around the price of $2,500 per semester, not including the required meal plan. For a full year the price range would be about $5,000, which is a little bit more than the affordable price range for students on their own. In addition, there is a required meal plan for both. For Guinan, the required meal plan is $1,625 for only one semester. For Young Hall, the required meal plan is only $580 per semester.

Why the difference? Young Hall is an apartment style residence hall that includes bedrooms, a living room and kitchen appliances, which allows students to purchase smaller meal plans. The expenses only seem to increase as more and more is added to the requirements of living on campus. However, there are many advantages which do make living on campus worth the expense. 

The cost for living on campus may be high, but there is a good reason for it. As stated on the university’s website, “campus housing rates cover all utility bills including cable, internet, water and trash. Housing rates also include campus parking in the Moran Center.”

Therefore, there are many benefits of living on campus. Who wouldn’t want to watch Netflix in their dorm while studying, when others have to pay a $75 parking fee to park in the Moran Center? Parking in the garage is very efficient since it is right next to the bookstore and Crooker. The walking distance from Moran Center to any classroom is only about five minutes. This is significantly easier than driving around, looking for a free parking space, and finding out that you parked about fifteen minutes away from your class. 

Another benefit of living on campus is the friendships that are formed in the residence halls. Living on campus allows a student to bond with their roommate and create a lasting friendship, unlike those who commute. Making many friends is a large focus of living on campus. It can be seen through the many events created for that purpose such as movie nights, game nights and even pajama parties.

Many students attend the events and create connections with not only other students, but with their RAs and CAs who also attend. Lastly, something that money cannot pay for is the fun living in the residence hall provides. For example, in Guinan there are events such as Door Décor, which is a short event where to decorate doors and introduce everyone to the hall. 

Living on campus does not only benefit a student by providing free parking, but it helps a student network, expand their friendships and most importantly have fun. The price may be a little high, but the benefits received from living on campus last a lifetime. The experience of living in the residence hall is definitely one worth trying.