On campus vs Off campus Housing

At Brockport you always know it is spring semester when people ask you this: "So, do you know where you are living yet? Have you signed a lease? Are you staying on campus for another year? Can I have your landlord's number?"

Extreme example, but true. Even after a long winter break people would rather know where you are planning on living in the next academic year versus how great of a break you had.

So, let's get to the truth about living on campus and living off campus...

My freshman and second year were spent on campus. The first year I lived in Thompson Hall, a corridor style dorm, and the second year I was in Mortimer Hall, a suite style dorm. I have few complaints about my living situation freshman year. My roommate and I got along great, the room was not too small, and walking down the hall for the bathroom was not even that bad. I was so excited to be in Mortimer that I did not even think about how small the room were when I first saw it. I thought would go just as smoothly. But, when you are living in a room that would be small for ONE person, things can get a little messy. Needless to say, my roommate and I barely survived the year with one another, and now we cannot even stand to acknowledge each other.

This is the first year I lived off campus, but I can say that it has been so much easier than living on campus. Not only do I have my own room, I also have my own kitchen and share a bathroom with only one other girl. The other positives of living off campus are infinite. Then again, if you are not responsible enough to pay your own bills, clean your own kitchen and bathroom, talk out problems that you are having with your housemates, then you probably want to stay in the dorms, but if you have never tried before you should give it a shot. It's practice for the real world. When you have a job, you certainly won't be living in the dorm rooms. You may have your own house, mortgage and family to support.

If you parents don't want you to move off campus then let me share some advice with you.
1. Don't room with your best friend unless you are positive it won't ruin your friendship. It's better to have to cross campus to hang out then dread going back to your room because you can't stand another second with her or him.
2. Remember, we all crave personal time, so when you need a break from the person be honest. I can't stress this enough; if you need a break it's okay to leave your room. Take a walk, head to the library, spend some time in the study lounge of your room. Your roommate won't be mad.
3. Your stuff is your stuff. If you don't feel comfortable sharing with your roommate, then don't. Clothes, utensils, bedding, chairs...if it's yours, let your roommate know.
4. If you have a problem with your roommate, talk to him or her about it. The worst thing in the world is when you are talking about your roommate and he/she finds out and ends up hating you for it.
5. Use your Resident Assistant. They get paid to help you solve problems. They know how hard it is to have new roommates, be in a new place and have to pass all your classes. They were once freshman too!
6. If you never are scared of your roommate, get out of there. Go to your friends, go to your RA, go to someone. Never put yourself in danger because of a other person.
7. If you don't like a certain behavior your roommate has (ex: having the television on when they are sleeping, blasting music when you are trying to sleep, drinking every night) try talking to he/she about it. Chances are pretty good that he won't want you to hate him.
8. Personalize your dorm room. Make it feel like home, because face it, you'll be spending more time in your dorm room then anywhere else. It needs to be "your" place.
9. It's going to be a challenge trying to work out all the new things you will be getting used to, but try and learn how to manage your time early. Set aside time for hanging out with friends, doing homework, going to class, and etc.
and 10. Just remember this - worst comes to worst, get some red duct tape and put in down the middle of your room.

Now if your parents will let you move off campus, then here are a few tips for finding a house:
1. Start early! It's never too early to sign a lease and it's never too early to start looking. The best houses go fast, so be on your game.
2. Don't share a room off campus. That's probably why you moved off campus in the first place. You wanted your own personal space. Don't compromise that.
3. Your housemates will be edgy when it comes to housing. Broach the subject gently, but always, always, ALWAYS make sure you are on the same page. You don't won't to get burned when it comes to signing a lease for the house of your dreams.
4. Keep your parents in the loop. Surprisingly enough the majority of them probably lived off campus and probably know a thing or two about finding a house. And remember, they live in a house now.
5. When it comes to your lease, if you aren't sure what something means, go head and ask. You and your landlord will be in contact on a weekly basis for the next year.
Okay...now that you found your house and signed your lease:
6. Be nice to your housemates. Even when you are having a bad day, walk in the house ready to smile and say "Hi."
7. Make a chore list if things are not getting done. No one wants to live in a messy house.
8. Again, talk to eachother. If you are having problems with the living situation, talk it out. Make compromises, and change some habits. No one wants to be miserable when they have to go home.
9. If something breaks, call the landlord. They will want to fix it. If they don't, they know that it will get around that they aren't great landlords.
10. Always have carpet cleaner on hand. You would be amazed at many things spill in your apartment.

So - make your decision wisely. Your housing situation can make or break your college career, plus it helps you prepare for you future.