Luke Riela (The Beacon)
By Luke Riela, Guest Commentary
It was a great experience living on campus: the friendly dorm community, short walks to classes, and not having to worry about making meals or doing the dishes.
That said, it's incredibly relaxing to be living outside the bell tower's range, off campus. The best part is the independence, or at least the sense of independence. Even if your parents are still paying for your tuition, rent, and food expenses, it is freeing to grocery shop for meals that you can cook (or try to cook) in your own kitchen. All of a sudden, chores like taking out the trash, cleaning the house, and unloading the dishwasher aren't as bad because your parents aren't telling you to do them. The burden of renting a home practically vanishes when you have good roommates to bear it with you.
In a way, you have less to worry about by going off campus: no quiet hours, no visitation rules, no guidelines. In the dorms, I always felt like I was missing out on some activity or event by staying in my room and that was great for the first couple years. Yet there comes a time when you just want to be lazy, and in a house you can be content with that laziness.
There are many small perks that the dorms can't offer: hanging out in the living room, eating at your dining table, and having a full-sized fridge. Even if you live across the street from campus, you don't feel encapsulated in the University's "bubble", but part of the kinda-real world. The world where you have neighbors, a backyard, and sometimes - mice. Most importantly, it's a change of pace.
I loved my time at Christie Hall and am still amazed by our beautiful campus, but if you've been considering it - don't hesitate to find a place off campus for next year.
Luke Riela is a junior business major. He can be reached at riela14@up.edu
