College is a time for a lot of things. It's a time for discovering your passions, creating lifelong friends and connections, and discovering yourself. You learn who you are and how to be independent. It's an important time of life and one of the best things you can do to get the most out of your college experience is to live on campus. Here are the top five reasons to live on campus.
1. Instant friends
It's your freshman year. It's a new year, new school, new start. You're excited, but also nervous. Unless you're rooming with your best friend or sibling, you probably don't know very many people. Don't worry though! If you're living on campus (especially a dorm or residence hall), chances are everyone on your floor is in the same exact boat! My favorite part of the new school year is when all the doors in the hall are open and people are moving from room to room while they unpack. Take advantage of the fact that you're all new and go out together and explore! Discover the best places to eat, quiet places to study, and fun things to do!
2. You're close to all your classes
Have an 8 a.m. class? Dreading getting up early? Never fear! The 8 a.m. classes are the worst, but instead of getting up at 7 a.m. just to school and class on time, if you live on campus, you can get up at 7:45 a.m., grab a Pop Tart and cup of coffee, and be on your merry way. Living on campus means you're never more than 10 minutes away from your furthest class.
3. You don't have to deal with parking
Any commuter can tell you that parking is absolute hell. Often times you have to get to campus 30 minutes (or earlier) before your first class, just to make it on time. As stated above, by living on campus you can easily walk to your class well within the time it takes a commuter student to park. This means you don't have to fight for parking spaces or sit for 45 minutes waiting for one to open.
4. Your RA will be there to help
College can be confusing, and your RA will know that. That's why they're there to help you adjust in the first few weeks. Don't mistake their helpfulness for the willingness to mother you and coddle you (that's not their job), but they are definitely there to share some wisdom, like which professors to take and which to avoid, and where to eat on campus.
5. There is so much to do
Between you RA's programs, your Residential Community Association (RCA/RHA), and all the university clubs and organizations, you are never more than a few feet away from something to do. While you should definitely still be studying, it can't take up all your time, and in that time you may get bored. Go to as many events and meetings as you can and make new friends who share your interests!
Living on campus is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have made lifelong friends, gotten involved in campus and residential life, and found what I want to do with my life.
