Student Housing

Living in the Dorms

Many students consider dorm life to be an essential part of the college experience. Here are some tips to help you deal with this type of student housing arrangement:

• Compromise is key. There’s no doubt about it, dorm rooms are small. To get along with your roommate in cramped quarters, you’re going to have to learn to let a few things go. Pick your battles.
• Establish ground rules. Sit down with your roommate and discuss issues such as bringing guests to the room, dealing with schedule conflicts, and sharing personal belongings.
• Give each other some privacy. If you sense your roommate is having a bad day, go study in the library for a few hours so he/she can mope in peace. He/she can return the favor the next time you want to be alone.
• If things start to get rough, ask your Resident Assistant (RA) for help. He/she will help you talk to your roommate or arrange to have you transferred to a different dorm room.

Joining a Fraternity or Sorority

If you’re a member of a fraternity or sorority, you may choose to move into your group’s house. This can be a great way to form lasting friendships with like-minded people. However, the following tips can help you make the most of this student housing arrangement:

• Consider the cost before you decide to move. The cost of Greek life varies from chapter to chapter. However, it can often be your most expensive living option.
• Don’t neglect your school work. In most sorority or fraternity houses, life is a whirlwind of activity. Have fun, but remember to squeeze in some study time between parties!
• Remember to make friends outside of your sorority or fraternity. When you live in this type of student housing arrangement, it’s very easy to avoid contact with the students who live in the dorms or in off-campus apartments. Make an effort to expand your social circle!

Finding an Apartment

Although the majority of college freshmen choose to live on campus, most have moved into apartments by their junior or senior year. If you think an off-campus apartment is the best student housing arrangement, consider the following tips:

• If you’re worried you’ll miss the social interaction of living on campus, choose an apartment complex known for renting to college students. If you’re ready for some peace and quiet, move a little further away from the campus area.
• Read the lease before you sign it. Your rental agreement is a binding legal contract. If you don’t understand what it says, ask someone you trust for help in order to avoid any future problems.
• Learn to budget your money. When you live in your own apartment, you’ll need to pay rent and utility bills every month. Miss a bill and expect to be out on the streets or sitting at home in the dark.
• Pick up a good cookbook. For all its drawbacks, on-campus life does make it easier to eat on a regular basis. Since you’ll now be responsible for preparing all of your own meals, you’ll need to learn how to make something besides cold cereal and frozen pizza.