When people talk about the college experience, dorm living is a centralized part of it. After all, most schools mandate that Freshmen live on campus. I just so happen to go to a school where they do not. My friends who find out about this always want to know why I chose apartment living. Well, I had to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
1. Space
Compared to the dorms, an apartment is a mansion. The walls are actually further than arms length apart, and the closet actually fits a decent amount of clothing. Apartments actually fit more than just the bare necessities, so you can be prepared and comfortable.
2. Cost
Generally, the money you spend on rent, utilities, and groceries is way cheaper than housing costs and meal plans. The living conditions are also better, so you are paying less for more.
3. Food
The possibilities are endless. There is complete reign over food, because you are not limited to dinning hall choices or what can be microwaved. In fact, there is an actual stove, oven, and toaster. There is no time limit either, so you can eat what you want whenever you want.
4. Privacy
When time alone is needed, there is a room and door. Even if you have roommates, they have their own room unlike in the dorms. You also get privacy in the bathroom for once. No communal bathrooms here.
5. Control
While you do have to follow the rules from your leasing office or landlord, there is much more control in an apartment. You choose what temperature the apartment is, the cleanliness of the bathroom, and your roommates. Let's not forget the items that were prohibited in the dorms like candles, toasters, and pets.
6. Personalization
Cons
1. Loneliness
2. Money Management
3. Distance
4. Meal Prep
5. Responsibility
This is your space which means you are responsible for it. You have to meet the bills, maintain cleanliness, and prepare your own meals. The toilet will not magically clean itself.
6. Relatability
In your freshmen year of college and even after, there is a set of go to questions when meeting people. These include what is your major, where are you from, and where do you live. Dorm drama becomes an easy conversation starter. There is also the trouble of eating with your friends when all of you are broke and dinning hall meals are ridiculously expensive for outsiders.
