Oh, the trials and tribulations of off-campus living. For many, this is the first chance at experiencing real-world issues and not having somebody looking out for you such as an RA or other housing official. So many problems can come up during your stay in an apartment or house, as was the case in my old place last year. Even though I wouldn't have given up living with my best friend and a guy who became a good friend of mine, every moment in that place seemed like an obstacle to overcome. Whether it was late rent, broken appliances, lack of heat, a slanted bedroom floor, birds flying into the kitchen, landlords with bizarre guidelines, a fourth roommate that would disappear for months, or that strange sewage smell that would come up from time to time, there was always something out of my control. That's why I was so desperate for a little control and normalcy, that I ditched the roommate concept and got myself a studio apartment.
Now just to clarify, I am not a lonely individual who couldn't find anyone to live with me. I enjoy the company of my close friends, and many I can only assume feel the same way about me. But my year of hoping I'd just be able to FIND all of my roommates in time for rent collection scared my away from living in that same situation again this year. I found a studio about two blocks north of Viterbo University and moved in late in May. Not even four months in, I have already noticed a few things, some good and some bad, about life inside a small bedroom.
Space....oh the space....
If you've ever watched the That 70's Show episode where Hyde's works for his dad in the office at the record company, the feeling he gets when the office shrinks on him is the feeling you'll have as you're moving in. Every little thing you put in, every piece of furniture (don't plan on much of that), every book, wall decoration, it all takes up a little more space. Don't forget about kitchen appliances and bathroom things either. Soon, you'll feel like a rat trapped in a maze with seemingly only one path to escape from. What you thought would be just like your room at home quickly has turned into a scene from Storage Wars. But you deal with it so that you can have your own little slice of real estate. And that leads into problem two.
Solitary Confinement
Once you realize you won't be living with anybody else, you initially enjoy the freedom and ability to decide exactly how your place is run. Going to bed without having to worry about loud roommates, no one stealing your month old leftovers from the fridge, walking around your place "au naturale", it's a nice change. But after those first few weeks, the lack of communication starts to take its toll. We humans are social creatures, and we need the intimacy with others to function right. I've noticed lately that sitting in front of the tv giving commentary on whatever show I'm watching isn't as fun without other people. That'd be like Statler critiquing the world with no Waldorf; it just doesn't work! And even if you look towards these freedoms mentioned above, it all comes at a price.
Freedom Isn't Free...It Costs A Hefty F****** Fee
No other roommates means no other rent money coming your way, or money for utilities, extra supplies, or anything else; everything you need comes from your own pocket. This is both a good and bad thing. On the one hand, studios teach you how to be self-reliant and responsible. You make a mess, you have to clean it up. Those dishes in the sink? No one else's doing them. But you soon find just how expensive the world can be on a college student's financial bottom line. I believe it was Eric Cartman who said "Don't you guys know the first law of physics? Everything fun costs at LEAST eight dollars". Adjust for inflation, that's close to twenty bucks for people out age. Handling everything on your own means a lot more meals of frozen Smart Ones and bread and water than in the past.
Now in all fairness, studios do offer plenty as well. Many times they are kept in very good condition because there's less to take care of, heating and cooling your space is much easier and cost effective than a big house or apartment, and even though there is a price to pay, the freedom and feeling of having your own piece of personal paradise is enough to make it worth it. Even though I'll likely be switching back over to a full-size living area next year, the time in my little box is going to be huge as far as preparing to live within my means and make ends meet more easily. It's something you should consider trying if you need your space, quiet, and independence. I'd recommend it for at least one year of your life, if you can handle it!
