The place I call home is Palmetto South. I get my own room and I share a bathroom with only one other person. I have a stove, living room and ultimately my own space. I dont have to worry about rent, overages, or breaking a lease.
My rent is $5,240 for an academic school year. People go crazy when they hear that and immediately sell me the common phrase that it’s cheaper to stay off campus. How can that be? My current rent includes unlimited usage of electricity and water. My transportation is less than a minute away from my room. I am not obligated to stay on campus for an entire day because my house is too far and I have class in two hours.
The point is its not cheaper. I pay the same amount anyone who lives off campus would pay.
Many people who stay off campus think its a wise choice to not get a meal plan. But not getting one leads to unstoppable hunger for an entire day because of your class schedule. Now, you have no choice but to wait in line at any of the on campus dining services to make it through the rest of the day. That’s maybe an additional $50 a month.
Why pick an apartment where walking distance is not one of the great deals listed? The bus stops running roughly around 10:40 p.m. and you’re stuck in the library trying to study for your next chemistry exam. How are you going to get home? The bus and walking are completely out of the picture. If you are lucky you may have a friend to pick you up. Otherwise, the cab is your best choice. You now feel like you need a car to get around which may be true. Let’s say you do get a car.
Now, you have to pay for insurance, a parking decal and most importantly, pricey gas. That just adds to your monthly bills.
Before making my decision to live on campus again, I too contemplated about the hype of staying off campus. The thought of living off campus seemed so right in so many ways at the time. But I thought about the stress this may cause my mom. Though it may seem rewarding to get a larger refund check, you happen to add more bills to your plate.
Financial aid takes the money I owe them for housing, and Im done. After all, a twin-sized bed isnt as bad as surprising bill statements every month.