It is that time of year again. It is time to worry about Penn State housing, the most dreaded process. There is nothing fun about picking if you want to live in a house, an apartment, or stay on campus just to avoid the stress. However, if you decide to go through with living off campus (because who wouldn't want to have their own shower) you probably have had some of these thoughts.
1. Why are we starting to talk about housing in August?
We aren't even in school yet and people are thinking about housing for next year. I don't even know what I'm doing tomorrow and I have to plan out housing. This is a little ridiculous.
2. Who do I live with?
Well, I am good friends with you but I don't think I want to live with you. Girls fight, your friends today won't be your friends tomorrow. What will you do if you sign a lease with people who don't appreciate you four or five months from now? Honestly, why do I have to figure out who I want to live with a year from now when I don't even know who I will like in a year?
3. Why is this so expensive?
You want your own room? Oh that's $900 plus utilities, cable, heat, food, and don't forget it costs $5 to do a load of laundry. You are probably better off living in a box on College Ave. Why not charge $700 to live in an apartment that probably wouldn't pass inspection? They can do it because every college student has to get off campus at some point.
4. Will I get my security deposit back you think?
Oh if you have one missing piece of paint behind your dresser that you never even knew was there, you will not be getting your security deposit back. Do you want to hang something up on your wall? Probably won't get your security deposit back. Just accept it, you are going to pay 13 months worth of rent for the 9 months you will be living in your apartment. Don't worry though, because all real estate institutions in State College will tell you "what a steal" your apartment is. That'll make you feel better.
5. I apply in October and I am still not guaranteed housing?
You heard it right, even if you apply a year early there is not a guarantee that you will be getting an apartment or house. But you won't know until December, which means if you don't get an apartment or house that you applied for in October, odds are you will be living 30 minutes off campus and hating your life.
Every college kid wants to live off campus with their friends. We want to feel independent and feel as if we can be adults. However, we have to plan out our living arrangements with people a year in advance and pay more rent than we will ever live in the apartment/house. Therefore, how well are we really learning how to be fiscally responsible?
