I didn’t know what to expect when my roommates (shout-out to A and C) and I first started the search for off-campus housing. I figured I’d be in a building similar to a dorm, maybe with fewer rooms, but still the same “college-y” vibe. After multiple searches on Craigslist and posts in Tulane Facebook groups, we finally found an apartment. My roommates and I went to see the place and immediately loved it. Later we got an email from our landlord saying we got the apartment; we were thrilled.
Transitioning from on-campus housing to off-campus housing is definitely a big step, but a great one. Living on campus I had always felt as though I lived in Tulane, Louisiana– like Tulane was it’s own small city. I didn’t really venture off campus too much as a freshman and a sophomore; I was in a Tulane bubble. However, I think that’s the point of on-campus housing. Freshmen and sophomores need to get acquainted with Tulane and other students before they can step outside the bubble. While I was on-campus I felt restricted and unable to connect with the New Orleans community. Now, living off-campus, I finally feel like I live in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Our apartment is on Broadway, a classic choice for Tulane students, and our neighbors include other students as well as what I like to call “real-life people.” My two roommates and I all have our own rooms (a luxury I did not have freshmen year or sophomore year) that are decorated to our individual styles. We have a kitchen that I take full advantage of through baking and cooking constantly. Now that we are settling into October, the apartment feels lived in—it feels like a home. I don’t have to worry about an RA or if someone will be using the washing machines. I text my roommates and ask them, “Are you home?” rather than, “Are you in the room?”
While there are obviously going to be some downsides to living off campus (more about that in articles to come), it certainly has improved my college experience. I have more responsibilities, but I like that. I feel like a part of the real world.
PS: We think we may get trick-or-treaters on Halloween and we’re excited (or at least I am) about it.
If you have any questions about off-campus living (or anything else, really) feel free to post a comment or shoot me an email at bgrief@tulane.edu.
– B.