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Friday, March 29, 2024
The independent student publication of The University at Buffalo, since 1950

Home is where the heart is

Every fall semester, an incoming class of freshmen embarks on a journey called 'college,' although not every path is the same. Some students decide to live on campus, while others decide to commute to school.
As a senior in high school trying to figure out where she would go, Samantha Kovler, now a sophomore communication major, always had the desire to dorm and looked forward to having a home away from home.
'I wasn't sure where exactly I wanted to go [to school]. I didn't feel like I should stay at home and commute to school, although my mom suggested me staying on Long Island,' said Kovler. 'I wanted that going away experience, where I would live on my own in a dorm, meeting tons of different people.'
Kovler's curiosity and desire for independence led her to the University at Buffalo, where she was placed in Governors's Lehman Hall her freshman year, despite the fact that it is not a freshman dorm. Nevertheless, Kovler was satisfied with her new living quarters.
'I liked the setup of Governors. Each suite had its own lounge, which was useful for gatherings with people and especially for studying,' Kovler said.
Kovler now lives in Ellicott, which she likes just as much.
While Kovler was packing her suitcases and beginning her journey to Buffalo, Jessica Conboy, a sophomore French major, was doing the same.
After going away to school for a semester, Conboy had a change of heart.
'I switched and just decided to stay at home,' said Conboy. 'I think dorming is fine if you're far from home, but I chose to commute because it's not far from my house and it saves me a lot of money.'
Conboy believes that commuting is an attractive option for those who do not mind living with their parents. She enjoys the perks like free laundry service, home cooked meals, privacy and little distraction.
However, Conboy considers parking to be a hassle, as do many other UB commuters.
'Parking is ridiculous. You have to get here early and fight for parking spots unless you have a really early or really late class,' Conboy said.
Conboy does not feel like she is missing out on any college experiences by commuting. She believes if a student truly wants to get involved on campus and meet people, they will, regardless of living quarters.
One of the most important factors in determining whether she would dorm or commute, Conboy says, was money.
'I've talked to my parents about this before and I'm pretty sure that I save about $10,000 a year by living at home, which is completely insane and makes me really glad that I'm at home … since I pay for my schooling, that's less loans to pay back,' Conboy said.
Conboy and her parents are correct in their approximations. According to the UB Web site, room and board averages around $10,092 a year.
Mark Johnson, a junior business major, also commutes because he thinks it is the smarter financial decision. However, he believes finding and making friends is a difficult task.
'As a commuter, you miss out on a lot of girls and miss out on meeting people on your floor. I'd have more friends if I lived on campus. It's easier to meet people when you dorm,' said Johnson.
For some students, the hefty price of freedom is difficult to afford.
Jessica Orchard, a sophomore communication major, became a residence hall advisor to help relieve the cost of room and board.
'I'm paying for school on my own and have taken out the maximum amount of loans possible because I cannot fund my schooling out of pocket right now,' said Orchard. 'Dorming is nice, but now that I think back, if I could have the choice, I'd still be living at home and saving my money.'
The decision of whether to room on campus or remain at home is an important one. At UB, both options have their share of merit, and in the end, it is up to the individual student to choose the environment most suitable for him or her.

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com


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