I had to do a lot of growing up over the summer when I found myself living on my own going grocery shopping, paying my own bills, and working two jobs. Once I got used to it, I really loved the independence that came with calling my own shots, but there were still times I wished my mom was able to cook me dinner and do my laundry for me. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to living off campus.
Pro: Cooking Your Own Food
College cafeteria food doesn’t really taste all that good, and it isn’t really all that good for you, either, so when I found out that I was moving off campus, I couldn’t wait to start cooking my own meals. Also, I don’t have to adhere campus meal schedules, because sometimes I eat at really odd hours.
Con: Cooking Your Own Food
Sometimes there are days of the week when I just don’t have time to cook, I don’t feel like cooking, or I just don’t feel like washing dishes afterwards, and I really someone else was making the food.
Pro: Four girls, two bathrooms
Freshman year, the entire floor shared a bathroom, and sophomore year I shared a bathroom with five other girls. Now there are only four of us and we are lucky enough to have two full bathrooms, and I couldn’t be happier.
Con: Having to pay bills
With the new season of American Horror Story upon us, I really wish that I had cable at my house, but unfortunately, when you start paying for utilities and internet, some things have to go. Even though I can get most things online, sometimes it would be nice to be able to watch TV shows the day they air.
Pro: Having your own room
My room is GIGANTIC! Seriously, though, I think my room is only a little bit smaller than the room that I had my freshman year in college, and it is certainly bigger than the single in the suite I was in last year. I also have enough room for all of my shoes.
Con: Cleaning your bathroom
It was really nice when the cleaning ladies would knock on the door and come in to clean your bathroom, but now it’s my turn to wield the Scrubbing Bubbles and Swiffer Wet Jet. I do think that toilet bowl cleaner smells pretty good, though.
Pro: Location, location, location
Okay, well, my roommates and I did get really lucky with where our house is located (right down the street from Misericordia), and I love on days thad I don’t feel like driving to campus, I can take the Passan shuttle up to school.
Con: Finding a parking spot
When I was on campus, I was able to leave for class five minutes before my 8 am began allowing me to maximize my sleep, but now I have to leave fifteen minutes before and scan the parking lot for that single open spot usually out in west Narnia.
Even though there are some perks to living in the dorms, I wouldn’t trade my off-campus house for anything!