Every college student has one dream and one dream only, when will they have the chance to move out of their college dorm or apartment. Sure it all seems like fun and games, you get to live with your closest friends, can do whatever you choose without having RSA’s to watch over you 24/7 and especially having your own privacy. Who doesn't enjoy privacy? I know my freshman year I hated sharing two bathrooms between 20 people. It was absolutely terrible. But like any other thing that seems fun in the world, there are also quite a few duties and responsibilities that we have to follow when we rent a house either as juniors or seniors.
First off, parties.
Okay so my freshman year was spent going to random parties, taking ridiculously priced cabs and paying $5 to go to a party which you weren't even guaranteed to stay in for more than 20 minutes. Many freshmen and sophomores face this problem and their only drive that results from it is to rent their own house/apartment and have parties. But here's the issue, underage drinking. Sure you and your friends are going to be 21 or turning 21, but the chances of a college student under 21 that'll show up to your party is pretty high. The severity behind getting caught with underage drinking is absolutely brutal, could even lead to jail time. Also, what if someone from your party gets caught doing something outside of your house? Or if the police show up and find things other than alcohol? The consequences would be severe not just for the police but through your college or university as well. Lastly, parties are one giant mess to clean up after.
Secondly, costs.
Renting a house is not cheap. Many of us think that the cost that goes into renting a house is just rent and probably electricity and water. But, having a house is a lot more the just that. Sure, many of our parents will offer to pay for our home costs and many of us will have to pay on our own. Either way, we will all have costs, such as, rent, electricity, water, heating and so much more. Not to mention the costs that you'll have during winter and summer when you have to plow snow and cut the grass and also emergency funds.
Don't take me for granted on all this upsetting news about getting a house. Getting a house with some of your best friends is the equivalent of excitement that you feel from moving away to college. Not to mention the excitement your parents will feel when they realize living off campus is actually cheaper than living on campus. It's a whole lot of fun, but it's fun that should be treated as if you all are adults. So to all the freshmen and sophomores that are making imaginary dream houses in their heads should always remember to pursue living off campus but do it carefully and be smart about the choices they make, especially parties and maintain as many costs as they can.
