by Stephanie Kelly

Created on: May 10, 2011

Some students are not thrilled by the prospect of living on campus. With tight quarters, little privacy, and being surround by strangers it can seem like a nightmare. Despite these downfalls, living on campus - especially during your first year of college - can be a rewarding experience that will carry you through the next several years. There are several perks to living on campus, some of which are often ignored. 

1) Close proximity to class

Those who live on campus may take advantage of the fact that they can roll out of bed ten minutes before class. In reality, this is more of a benefit than most students acknowledge. When traffic and unexpected weather can delay even the most punctual student, those who live on campus can rest assured that they will always make it on time. Plus, they get to sleep in. 

2) New people

To some, the idea of living around hundreds of strangers is enough to stop their heart. Even though it can be terrifying at first, living around so many new people opens up a whole new world of socialization, which is especially important for students who did not come to college with a group of their friends. Living on campus is an easy way to get to know people and mingling is encouraged. Keeping an "open door" policy to your room (when home of course!) will also help encourage the flow of new people. 

3) Less responsibility

Usually, campus housing includes all utility bills, and meals are bought ahead of time. This leaves students with less to stress about, versus worrying about electricity, water, and food costs. Also, being able to crank the air conditioning in the middle of the summer, or make your room a sauna in the dead of winter is a plus. 

4) Dorm events

Most dorms and on campus housing host events, such as movie screenings or water balloon fights, on a regular basis to encourage student involvement. The up side of these events - aside from being fun! - are that they sometimes give away freebies such as tee shirts or gift cards to the local coffee shop. 

5) Future job opportunities

Easily overlooked, a benefit of living on campus is the ability (in most colleges) to then apply to be a Resident Adviser the following year. This position can include free room and board along with a paycheck. Although many students do not think this far ahead, those who are concerned with the cost of housing should consider the potential for free housing in subsequent years. 

6) Small space=forced decluttering

When living in such a small space, learning to be organized and clutter free comes with the territory. This is a valuable lesson that, sadly, many college aged adults never quite get the hang of. 

Although deciding whether or not to live on campus can be a difficult decision, and even though the pros outweigh the cons, dorm life is not for everyone. When making this decision, it is important to take in to consideration your own personality and wants rather than what a typical "college experience" dictates. 

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