On campus or off

When anyone thinks of college, the first thing that usually comes to mind is dorm life. However, not everyone opts to live on their school’s grounds. But which is really better, to live on or off campus?

In terms of finances, off-campus living could save the student a large amount of money. But is saving money worth not having the “full college experience?”

According to first years Keenan Foulke and Nate Williams, the benefits of living on campus outweigh the problems that may arise, like the lack of privacy.

“You never have to pay extra for food with your E-card, the opportunities to meet new people are vast, and there are so many activities to participate in,” Foulke said. “Plus you don’t have to buy gas to get to school everyday.”

Williams agrees and adds that there is less traveling to do and more time to spend with friends, for instance, at the basketball court in the gym.

Still, they both have run into some minor things that they dislike about campus life: sharing a bathroom, greater potential for distraction and the inability to be with family and old friends whenever they want.

Even so, they feel that they will have their best college experience right in the middle of the residence halls.

Still others, like junior Keshena Hutchinson, have decided to trade in their dorm rooms for their apartments instead.

Hutchinson describes the transition from residence hall to an apartment building as a funny experience.

“People will say the names of others, and you will have no clue as to who they are talking about,” Hutchinson said.

While the task of making new friends may be somewhat harder, Hutchinson maintains her old relationships and meets new people through them.

She says that living away from the school’s boundaries is a pleasure because she has more access to the world outside of Eastern: cable TV in her room, easy access to family, no visitation hours and the quiet she may need to focus on homework or anything else. Hutchison believes that the off-campus life is for her.

Senior Erin McGonigle has also made the decision to commute and enjoy the comfort of home. “I get to be with my family all the time,” McGonigle said.

Transferring here after three years at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., she does not take for granted the time she gets to spend at home. McGonigle knows people that currently attend Eastern from her high school, which has made it a smooth transition from one school to the next and helps her maintain her social life.

McGonigle says that being able to wake up and simply walk to class would be nice but being at home is a luxury she would prefer not to miss.

There are both pros and cons to living on and off campus. The question is, which is really for you? A 10 minute walk to class or a highway commute? A home-cooked meal or Sodexo?

As students at Eastern, the allure of a Christian community brought many to campus, but for some, home life is more appealing.