The ultimate question after most students’ freshman year is usually: where are you living next year? The freshman experience revolves around dorm life. However, for reasons unbeknownst to me, it has become an accepted and expected decision to move off campus for the remainder of college. Yes, moving off campus has its perks: you get a more luxurious space, often cheaper and probably bigger. However, living on campus is an experience that students will never again receive after graduation, and it’s the best choice you could possibly make.
Living perhaps 20 minutes away from campus may not feel like a lot, but it is when you take into consideration the busy student life at Florida State University. Students who reside on campus often have a stronger feeling of community. It’s much easier to connect with classmates, join extracurricular activities and meet new people on campus. Whether that is through Greek life, community service or other student-engagement organizations, living on campus can help you can establish friendships with peers while keeping your freedom.
Furthermore, everything you could possibly need is within walking distance. Strozier Library is nearby which comes in handy, especially during finals when you and everyone else lack the motivation to study. In general, living on campus encourages students academically. Sitting in your apartment with half-eaten meals on the counter and dishes that haven’t been washed in days isn’t exactly conducive to academic or motivational success in college. However, being in an environment where students are hustling off to class while churning through essays with half a dozen cups of espresso does something for that student brain. Getting to campus is one of the greatest struggles for those who don’t live nearby, so being in the center of it eliminates the stress of commuting as well. The student union is a brisk walk away, Landis Green is just waiting for you to sit and study and the Chick-Fil-A line is out the door but hey, you can see it through your window so what’s the rush?
One of the best advantages of living on campus is the lack of housing responsibilities. That is, if a storm hits and half of your room is damaged, you will be rehoused. Meanwhile, you’re out of luck if you haven’t purchased renter’s insurance for your off-campus apartment. Signing a lease is a big step that many students aren’t prepared for. Additionally, safety must be considered. Living on campus is one of the safest locations to live. Campus police make nighttime patrols throughout campus, there are several emergency stands in case you’re in danger and it’s all around a lot safer than a random street in Tallahassee, Florida. Nightly security personnel are on hand to assist you with your problems and to provide you with the assistance you require. There are also Residential Assistants (RAs) in your building who may assist you with any housing issues you may have. You’re out of luck if you have a lousy roommate and you’ve already signed a lease. However, if you have a nightmare of a roommate, housing can take care of it. RAs also host enjoyable community social activities that help to foster a sense of community and a friendly environment.
There are various on-campus apartment-styled dorms such as Rogers, McCollum, Traditions and Ragans. In a few of them, you can even have your own room. You can still get the experience of living in an apartment while enjoying the safety, reliability and convenience of a dorm. Paying monthly rent and a utility bill while managing other financial responsibilities can be overwhelming for a 20-some-year-old student. Living on campus, while sometimes pricier, is oftentimes the smarter choice. Though it’s not the same for everyone, there is no shame in living on campus all four years. You have the rest of your life to live in the real world, so why not enjoy the unique living experience you can enjoy in the now?
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