By Gao Na Yang
During his freshman year, junior Brian Burns lived at home in Vancouver, Wash. When the commute became too much, Burns moved into Tyson Hall. This year, he decided to rent near campus to save money.
Although he wasn't in one place for too long, Burns appreciated the opportunity to explore his options.
Living in Vancouver restricted his participation in campus activities. By living in Tyson, he was able to develop the social aspect of college life. However, renting allowed him to remain close to campus as well as keep some money in his pocket.
"I like renting more than living on campus because I just pay my rent every month rather than paying it all up front as part of my tuition," Burns said. "And it's far less expensive than living on campus."
While renting provides an opportunity for independence and experience as an adult with financial responsibilities, Burns made the move for convenience.
"I was always fairly independent anyway, so that didn't change much," Burns said. "But I hated the commute from home."
Burns has become more cost-conscious now that he is managing his own money. Grocery shopping and paying the bills are added responsibilities, but they aren't overbearing, he said.
Junior Samantha Kocher lived in Shipstad for two years before moving to Tyson Hall.
Tyson and Haggerty are like apartments and provide kitchenette facilities, shared bathrooms, private laundry facilities and internet access in every room.
"My living style hasn't changed too much," Kocher said. "I don't have a roommate, so I'm more spread out and even more unorganized."
Tyson and Haggerty Halls allow more flexibility for residents, but Kocher doesn't feel that it's necessary to take advantage of the freedom.
"When you grow older, it's easier to live in a house," she said. "I liked Shipstad because of the close community and we didn't have to clean or restock bathrooms, but it's nice to have my own space."
Senior Kyle Woodard lived in Shipstad during his first two years, but rented during his junior year. He lived in Tyson his senior year and is spending his fifth year in Haggerty. While ROTC spares him the burden of paying for housing, he felt that it was necessary to move into a house.
Woodard said that there are many benefits of renting off-campus, such as saving money, learning how to be responsible, personalizing living space and, of course, partying.
While hosting parties was a perk, he appreciated the tougher lessons of managing time, space and money.
"Believe it or not, I drank more in Shipstad," he said. "The community there was close, but renting teaches you to grow up and be responsible."
Senior Kevlyn Mathews also experienced rapid changes in her housing situations that helped her get a handle on independence. Mathews decided to move out of Mehling and rent a place of her own before returning home.
"I wasn't restricted off campus," Mathews said. "If I wanted to come home, I didn't need my ID; if I was hungry, I cooked."
While some students have opted out of living on-campus, Michael Walsh, director of residence life, stresses the importance of experiencing four years of college on campus.
As a college student, Walsh decided to try a little independence. His off-campus experience was horrendous, Walsh said. He returned to campus his junior year.
"You're going to learn a lot no matter what," Walsh said. "But my bias is to stay on campus."
There is evidence that proves that students who live on campus have better grades, graduate on time, have a better quality education and better relationships, Walsh said.
"You have your whole life to live off campus," Walsh said. "Take advantage of the university."
While that may be true, some students feel that living off campus provides lessons that living on campus doesn't fulfill.
"It's like training wheels," Mathews said. "You still have the support of your parents while you're getting a motion for how to handle those situations."
Universities may provide educational growth, but the best college experiences induce personal growth, Woodard said.
"Take advantage of the support that UP provides and live off campus," Woodard said. "This is a good time to make mistakes and a good opportunity to take risks."
