Most other college students that I know have been living in an apartment since their sophomore year. I, however, go to a very small private school which only acquired apartments in the last couple of years. While state universities have so many people that off-campus housing is a must, my very small private school prides itself on having guaranteed on-campus housing. Regardless of that fact that we're a tiny school, our close-knit community is helped by the on-campus housing. While I loved living on campus, living in an apartment is just as convenient as living in a dorm; my apartment is across the street. It takes five minutes for me to get to class.

Last semester, I studied abroad and lived in a house. I knew that after being able to cook for myself and live in more than just one room, it wouldn't be easy to go back to dorm life. So, after discussing the option with my roommate and two of my friends, we decided to live in an apartment.

Though it took me a little longer to adjust than I thought it would, I got used to it in only two weeks. Now, my apartment already feels like home. My roommates and I picked out furniture and some other much-needed items together. We decorated the bare walls and made it feel comfortable. After living with nine people this past semester, living with three other people hasn’t been a problem. The small things, like the sound of eggs and bacon sizzling in the kitchen, the smell of candles from the living room, and the low hum of music make the apartment feel homey.

As a senior, apartment life is preparing me for life outside of college. I’m learning how to balance work with the realities of life, such as cooking and cleaning. I know that my apartment experience will make the life jump from student to graduate much easier. As for now, I'm living life and enjoying my time left in college.