Why Did You Choose to Live on Campus in College and Did You Like It?

During my study period, I was a hostler, which allowed me to provide insights into the benefits of hostels at my university, LPU. Campus living during college can be both challenging and rewarding, particularly for freshmen. Here are the pros and cons of living on campus compared to off-campus living.

Perks of Staying on Campus

As a hostler, I found several advantages to living on campus:

Security: Hostels are equipped with 24/7 surveillance and guards, ensuring a safe environment. Community Integration: Staying on campus helps you get familiar with the university and make connections with peers from various departments, expanding your social network. Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness: Campus living is more convenient and less expensive, with full safety and security. Temperature Regulation: Dorms are notorious for their excellent heating systems, often making them warmer than off-campus options. Boarding Plans: Many dorms come with all-you-can-eat meal plans, making it easy to spend more time socializing. Proximity to Classes: Walking to class is often more convenient than searching for parking spots or taking public transportation. Quiet Hours: Dorms typically have enforced quiet hours, promoting a conducive environment for studying and sleeping.

Living on campus was particularly beneficial for me during my freshman year, which can be challenging for many students. The dorm provided a ready-made social setting and stability, helping with the transition to college life.

Pros of Off-Campus Living

Off-campus living also has its advantages:

No Regulated Quiet Hours: No resident advisors (RAs), meaning you can have items with heating elements in your kitchen, have friends over whenever, and no enforced quiet hours. No Dorm Food: If you don't enjoy dorm food, you can cook whatever you want, avoiding the "Freshman 15" associated with all-you-can-eat plans. Higher Flexibility: You can sign a lease with friends, guaranteeing roommates at a certain location, reducing the luck factor. Bigger Parties: Bigger gatherings are more common off-campus, and having access to a car can make it even more convenient. Cost Savings: While renting off-campus might be more expensive, with shared expenses like parking passes and utilities, it can still be cheaper overall.

One of my friends, who was a picky eater, managed to survive on lots of spaghetti and pasta sauce. We were lucky to get a four-person suite, but not everyone is so fortunate. The off-campus experience can be a major perk for those who value independence and flexibility.

Conclusion

The choice between living on or off campus depends on your personal preferences and needs. Both options have their unique advantages and challenges. For those seeking a supportive community and structured environment, on-campus living can be highly beneficial. However, for those valuing independence and flexibility, off-campus living provides a different set of advantages.