College 101 | Spring 2008
Residence Halls: Benefits are Huge, Life is Less Complicated
It's spring, and you are beginning to think about moving into an apartment off campus for next year. Before you write that big deposit check to an out-of-state landlord, consider what the weather was like a few months back. It rained nearly every day, and living on campus was delivering its biggest benefit: you only had to face a short 5-minute walk to classes. Your off-campus friends, on the other hand, showed up to the same class wet and tired. They had to get up earlier than you to catch the bus - or worse - walk.
On-campus housing has been popular historically because it simply makes sense. And in 2008, the reasons for staying on campus are even more compelling. Let's consider the logical reasons why it may be the best choice for you:
Proximity Benefits: Here lies thesurvivalkit.com's most-compelling reason to seriously consider living on campus...you'll enjoy an easy walk to classes, the libraries and recreational areas. Remember - we live in the Pacific Northwest, so don't make an off-campus housing decision based on a sunny April day. October through March it rains almost constantly, and you'll arrive at class fatigued, uncomfortable and in no mood to get down to business. (International students take note!)
Academic Benefits: Don't underestimate these important features: Resident rooms and computer labs with Internet access, tutors, and other educational benefits. Chances are you won't find these amenities (necessities!) at the Shady Rest Apartments. Additionally, you'll have unique opportunities to participate in student government organizations, such as the Residence Hall Association and other groups.
Social Benefits: Ask someone in their 30's what they best remember about college. Most answers will revolve around living on campus with like-minded peers. Or, they might recall a lively discussion with an across-the-hall polar opposite (who went on to become a lifelong friend.) On-campus living provides endless opportunities to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. A wide range of social, cultural and recreational opportunities are available in most housing locations. And iIntramural sports, movies, dances, etc. are additional samples of events that take place when you are living on campus. Also, when you want to be alone, there are quiet places available.
Health Benefits: You cannot (or at least should not) live on ramen and hot dogs. On-campus housing provides nutritionally-prepared al la carte meals offering multiple choices which may include self-service salad bars, "made to order" stir-fry, pizza and pasta, and traditional home-style cooking. It's not your parent's "dorm food" anymore - it's sophisticated, easy and nutiritional.
Intangible Benefits: The services, skills and time of a professional residential life staff (including both live-in professional and student staff) are available for advice or referrals on just about any topic from personal problems to career decisions. You may or may not call upon these resources, but they are there. Finally, research finds that living in residence halls and cooperative houses has a positive influence on a student's grade point average, level of involvement in campus activities, retention at the university, and satisfaction with his or her collegiate experience.
Today, living on campus makes more sense - for more students - that ever before. To learn more about on-campus housing at your university, click on the following links to be connected to your university's Housing and Dining Services.
Oregon State University Housing and Dining Services
University of Idaho Housing and Dining Services
University of Oregon Housing and Dining Services
University of Washington Housing and Dining Services
Washington State University Housing and Dining Services
Sources: Editors of thesurvivalkit.com & OSU Housing and Dining Services
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