Front right Sean Hayden, freshman flight technology major; freshman nursing major Steve Check; Jim Polena, freshman business management major and Matt Kolic (back), freshman physical education major, watch television in Kolic’s Metcalf room. Hoping to sav

Credit: Ron Soltys

At first glance, a residence hall and an off-campus apartment might appear to be similar — long, narrow hallways filled with odd, lingering scents and the sound of raucous outbursts from other residents.

Students who live in either, though, will contend that both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Jeremy Armstrong, sophomore physical education health major, spent his freshman year in Lake Hall, but moved into University Townhomes this year. Armstrong said he pays significantly less living off campus.

“In the long run, living on campus is much more expensive,” Armstrong said. “It comes out to be about $3,000 a semester compared to $2,500 for the whole year (off campus).”

Armstrong estimated he pays about $350 per month for rent, utilities and other basic necessities.

High prices are an issue for many students, with current residence hall rates ranging anywhere from $2,100 per semester for a standard two-person double to $4,105 per semester for a deluxe single in Engleman Hall. Board plans are an additional $1,235 to $1,855 per semester.

“Some off-campus apartments can, indeed, be cheaper if students are willing to share space and costs and there are a myriad of reasons why students may want to live in an off-campus apartment,” said Amy Quillin, associate director of Residence Services.

Armstrong said one of the things he likes most about living an apartment is the independence that goes with it.

“It’s a really nice feeling to say, ‘I’m going to my house,’ and have a specific meaning in that, because, after all, it is your house,” he said. “I absolutely love hanging out with my roommates, whether we throw a huge party or just all sit in the living room and watch TV. Also, believe it or not, I love to cook my own food. In the dorms you don’t get that option.”

Debby Wells, property manager of Holly Park, said many students choose to live in apartments because they offer more space than residence halls; but the space comes at a price.

She said current monthly rates for a two bedroom apartment in Holly Park is $799 and $1,102 to $1,132 for a three bedroom apartment. Electricity and water are not included, and typically cost an additional $40 to $90 a month.

“The kids that live on this property, their parents make more money I think,” Wells said.

Matt Kolic, freshman exercise science major, said in light of the large bill, he plans to move into Holly Park next fall because of the extra space he will get.

“Either way its gonna be really expensive, but you might as well get more space for your money,” he said.

Quillin said as of January, there are 5,670 students living on campus.

“We’re biased of course, but Residence Services would contend that living on campus provides advantages to students that are not available from off-campus apartments,” Quillin said.

Some of these advantages include ready access to campus resources, such as dining halls and computer labs, and access to in-hall programming.

Kevin Erickson, junior aeronautical studies major, plans on moving out of his room in Beall Hall and into off-campus housing next year, but he said he feels that it might be harder to make new friends.

Armstrong, however, said he has no problem making new friends in his apartment.

“Personally, I have a very easy time getting to know people as it is, but I would have to say it’s easier,” he said. “I see how people live in their own home as opposed to living in a dorm, which is just a small room. People are just more loose in an environment they’re comfortable with, and it is easier to get to know them.”

Armstrong said even with all the advantages to living off-campus, there are still some things he misses.

“Although it is more expensive to live on campus, I miss having everything on my I.D.,” he said. “It is much easier to not have to worry about paying bills on time, like you have to do when you live off-campus. I also miss campus for the sake of leaving five minutes before class starts and getting there on time, opposed to leaving 30 minutes ahead of time to catch the bus.”

Armstrong also said that paying to live on campus was easier because of financial aid that was available.

Quillin said an additional bonus to living on campus is increased security.

“Our staff, both resident assistants and security, conduct nightly rounds to ensure that the halls are as (conducive) as possible to students engaging in academic pursuits and healthy community building,” Quillin said.

Armstrong said security in his apartment is good, and he has not had anything stolen or damaged in the time he has lived there.

While added security might be beneficial for students, some, such as Kolic, would rather do without added protection.

“I’ve been in trouble twice, so I’d actually prefer not to have security walking around,” Kolic said.

Contact features reporter William Schertz at [email protected].