I am a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma living in a campus-owned apartment. It is better than the dorms because I have my own room, but, just about everything else is the same. These are my top 5 reasons that I would not recommend living in student housing if you don't have to.
1. It is extremely loud between the hours of 11 pm to 3 am. Especially on wine Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Freaky Friday, and super drunk Saturday. I am 75% sure my upstairs neighbors are tap dancing elephants that can only practice at night.
2. A doormat is actually a place to put out cigarettes. I don't smoke, but all my neighbors do. Smoking is your choice and I am okay with that. I am not okay with inhaling your smoke as I walk outside and I am definitely not okay with you using my doormat as an ash tray.
3. Going to college makes some people forget what a trashcan is. The bushes are not a trashcan; the breezeway between apartments is not a trashcan; the parking lot is not a trashcan; the dumpster across from the grass you just threw your beer can in, that is a trashcan.
4. Sometimes maintenance forgets to mention they will be entering your apartment to do an air filter check. If you are in the shower, singing at the top of your lungs, and you hear your door open and the voice of two men enter your hallway, you might be a bit scared.
5. It costs an arm and a leg to live in a glorified dorm. The cost may seem wonderful at first, but once you realize your roommate and you are paying a combined equivalent of someone that is living in a house, you will question your choices.
I am thankful I have the money to have a roof over my head and to go to the college of my dreams. I am not so thankful that I didn't research my living options a bit more. To the college students reading this, do your research, be respectful to your neighbors, and throw away your trash.