Living on campus: actually pretty lit
Emma Gauthier
From Weldin to Burnside to Garrahy, I can confidently say I enjoyed living on campus. I know what you’re thinking, “don’t you have to deal with Resident Advisers, room inspections, roommates, and 3 a.m. fire drills?” Yes. But the benefits to living on campus definitely outweigh minor inconveniences.
Undoubtedly, freshman and sophomore housing isn’t the best, but it’s an experience. Your roommates are usually crazy, on the weekends your hallways smell like weed, and you get to bond with all the other sexiled hallmates in the lounge. It’s usually loud and crazy, and it can be a blast living with 40 like-minded people. Yes, you have to wear shoes in the shower, but freshman and sophomore housing has given me a deep appreciation for microwaves, Febreeze and my own room.
I love the convenience that comes with living in the same place as all of my classes. I’m only a short walk away from the Quad, the Union and academic buildings, but the best part is not driving. I don’t have to worry about traffic on my way to campus, or fighting for a parking space, so I can roll out of bed a half-hour before class starts and still make it on time.
Another huge perk to living on campus is the meal plan. I get to have someone cook for me, rather than going to the grocery store, shelling out a bunch of money and then cooking for myself. The food is decent, pre-made, already paid for and I don’t have to do the dishes.
Also, it’s not like anyone is ever stranded on campus, either. Before I got my car, I used to use the RIPTA to get around South Kingstown, and took Ram tours for day trips if I needed to get away from school. Of course there are downfalls to living on campus, but the atmosphere and convenience can’t be beat. Living on campus is actually pretty lit.
Off campus life is full of opportunities
Olivia Perreault
Living on campus seemed like so much fun at first. The dining hall food is tasty, you’re best friends with your roommates, everything is a short walk away and the campus is beautiful. Then, reality sets in.
After three years of living on campus, it all gets a little old. Dining hall food can only be so good, and the options aren’t very riveting. Roommates are only your friends until they find someone better, and that hike from the bottom of campus to Swan Hall is deadly. Don’t get me wrong, I had some great times while living on campus, but living off-campus is something I’ve always wanted. Now that I’m here, there’s absolutely no turning back.
Not only do I live on the same street as the beach with a beautiful view, but I don’t have to feel constricted anymore. Living on campus means everything is closeby, but you can’t really leave. Now, I peace-out right after my class and have the rest of the day to do whatever I want, without worrying about finding a ride back to my dorm. Another great part about living ‘down the line’ is my own kitchen. No more waiting in a thirty minute line for a sub-par plate of pasta – now I can make it myself!
I think the best part about living off campus and commuting to school is that real sense of adulting. Each morning, I have to give myself enough time to drive to school, just like I would have to for a regular job. I clean the house, pay for my own gas, pay rent and utilities and shop for groceries. It’s like I’m finally passing that realm between student and adult – and after graduation, I know I’ll be ready to face the real world.