By the time junior year rolls around many people have taken advantage of adulthood and moved out of the dorms into apartments and/or houses near campus. I have just begun my junior year but I am not living off campus and I have been facing quite a bit of judgment for doing so. When I mention that I am living in campus housing people respond with disgusted looks and comments like, “Why?” and “Still?” So here are five reasons why I am still living on campus so you can all stop asking me.

1. Saving Money

“Living off campus is less expensive.” No, no it is not. Here at College of Charleston I pay around $5000 per year to live in the dorm that I chose. That is expensive, yes, however I can pay for this housing with financial aid, scholarships and loans rather than having to work my buns off at a part-time job to pay anywhere between $500 and $1000 in monthly rent out-of-pocket. Also, I don’t have to pay for utilities, water, internet/cable, furnishings or to fix anything if it breaks or, God forbid, we get an infestation of some kind.

2. Short Commute

Living on campus is close to campus. That means I don’t have to ride a bike or bus, I don’t have to show up to class sweating nuts and I can wake up later in the morning. ‘Nuff said.

3. Meal Plan

This is another super great way that I save some money. Having a meal plan means not buying groceries every week and also, who has time to cook? Not me.

4. Socialize

I like to live in the dorms because there are countless opportunities to meet people. Whether you always run into them in the hallway or they’re your random roommate, it’s always nice to meet new people and make potential friends.

5. Free Laundry

I have a laundry room ten feet away from me in my dorm. I don’t have to pay to do laundry and it contains appliances that I also didn’t have to pay for. Super nice.

I live on campus as a junior, so what? Stop judging me for choosing a living situation that works best for me and my personal financial situation. My living on campus doesn’t make me any less of an adult, it doesn’t mean I don’t have fun and it most certainly doesn’t mean I can’t be independent. I am no different than any other junior in college. So before you judge another upperclassman for choosing the dorm life you should check yourself before you wreck yourself. Ok? Thanks.