By now, the decision has probably been made to either live at UB or live at home. But since this is most likely a new adventure for most students, they still have no idea what they're getting into.
The University at Buffalo Residence Halls & Apartments house 5,200 students in traditional residence halls and nearly 2,000 students in apartments each year – that's nearly 25 percent of UB's student body. These students have the best college experience according to Jeanette Zalba, associate director for organizational development for the housing program,
"[Living on campus] is an awesome experience. When they say ‘complete the experience, live on campus,' and when they say ‘don't just attend UB; live it, love it,' it is true," Zalba said. "This gives you the opportunity to spread your wings a little bit more; get a little bit more independent from that setting."
The University Residence Halls & Apartments are all inclusive – no matter which room you choose (or get placed in), all students receive the same benefits. The room comes fully furnished with utilities, Internet service, and cable included in the rate. Services such as fitness and study centers, student and professional staff, dining halls in the building, and bus shuttles to and from campus are included in the rent.
Students who do live on campus make the most of these benefits, according to Zalba.
"Sometimes people will get caught up in how expensive it is, but think about this: you don't have to start your car up every day and spend the gas money to get here," Zalba said. "[Students] have access to the services. They can walk back to campus and meet with their professors or go to the library."
But, with positives come negatives. Maybe you don't "click" with your roommate and you struggle to overcome your differences. Maybe your neighbors like to play music at 2 a.m. when you would rather sleep. Living in a community with hundreds of other students can be tough.
"You're stuck with people you may or may not like. Some people get lucky, but most people don't. Sometimes it's a matter of incompatibility; sometimes it's a matter of safety and social situations," said Hannah Carroll, a junior biomedical sciences major who has lived on campus for two years. "UB is diverse, which hits close to home the first couple of weeks at school."
Other students had different gripes with the dorming system. Kaitlin Maley, a junior English major, said that the food situation takes getting used to – it's difficult to learn how to eat healthy on a campus that offers fast food and sometimes "inedible" dining hall cuisine.
Olivia McCarthy, a sophomore art history major who is moving home after dorming as a freshman at the University at Albany, hates community bathrooms and the need to have a passcode to get in. When in a rush, this hassle is bothersome, according to McCarthy. Also, don't forget the shower shoes – your mother isn't there to clean up after your neighbors.
Many who attend UB make the choice to stay at home or live off campus for many different reasons. Whether the commute is a short 5 minutes or they love their mother's home cooking, most UB students do not live on campus.
"I decided to commute so I wouldn't have to take out extra loans for a dorm," said David Moore, a junior English major. "It's been nice living at home with my family and it allowed me to keep my job and work more hours."
A parking permit is valid on all campuses and is included in the mandatory student activity fee, so all you are paying for is the gas to get to and from school.
Although many students equate living at home with "loner who doesn't get to experience college," commuters report fulfilling college careers. There are many opportunities to meet other students. Speak to the kid in your psychology class who always lends you a pen – he could be a great new friend. Or maybe the girl who parks next to you every day lives in your neighborhood and needs a carpool buddy.
"If you're trying to decide between dorming and commuting, it basically comes down to your personal characteristics," said Beth Goldwater, a junior exercise science major who lives at home and commutes. "[With commuting] there is a separation from school and home instead of living and going to the school at the same place. I personally just could not see spending all the money to dorm when I can live so much cheaper at home."
Email: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
