I'm a college freshman trying to decide which housing option would be best for meThere're two options: traditional dorm (which is right on campus) and apartment (which is two blocks from school, bus comes every 15 min to pick up students from here)The cost doesn't matter hereHere are the pros and cons of each:On-campus dorm: pros: close to everything and it's easy to get to classescons: small, community bathroom, 4th floor with no elevatorOff-campus apartment:pros: has private bathroom, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, and a small living roomcons: 10 min away from school so I have to walk or take the school busBuses only operate until 6 pm so if I happen to have evening classes, I have to walk homeI don't mind walking but it'll be a hassle to get to class in the 10-degree weather.Please help me! I don't know which one to choose.If you were me, which one would you choose?
I always advise freshmen to live on campusIt will allow you to fully immerse yourself into college lifeYou will be able to take part in after school activities, eat at the dining halls, and spend time in various campus facilitiesStudents living off campus tend not to participate as actively in these activitiesAs a campus residnet, you will occasionally deal with problems which you are less likely to experience in apartment style housing (crowded bathrooms, noisy neighbors, etc.)Universities will typically help you do deal with these problems, and offer you resources when problems with dormitories become seriousOff campus apartments tend not to have a great deal of oversightApartment managers are not overwhelmingly helpful, and you'll be left to deal with conflict entirely on your ownI suggest that you start in campus housing, and familiarize yourself with your school, your clubs and organizationsOnce you get a bit older, and meet some people you'd like as room mates, then move off campusHope this helps.
When you are learning anything, it's good to follow the rulesAfter you get good at it, then you can use your creativity.
