<p>Hey everyone, I don't post much but I lurk here a lot lol. I know this has probably been discussed often, but when I searched I couldn't find anything too similar to my situation.
Ok, so I have to make a decision between living in a dorm or off-campus as a freshman. Although the dorm is very close to my classes, it's outdated, has communal-style bathrooms, and honestly is very jail-like. I spent a night there during orientation and wasn't too impressed. If these were the only issues, I'd probably be fine with it...but I also got stuck in a temporary triple room (because the school housing is overbooked) which happens to be smaller in size than the average double. I also didn't get a good first impression of the two girls who would be my roommates based on their myspaces (I know that's not too important though...and neither of them have facebook). </p>
<p>Now in the apartment I'd have my own room and bathroom. One of my suitemates just messaged me on facebook and she's also a freshman and seems like someone I could get along with easily. I'd also have a shared kitchen which is important to me because I'm a vegetarian and will be buying most of my food from a grocery store. The price isn't an issue as it's only a little more expensive than the dorm. Also, it is literally across the street from campus, but about 4 miles away from where most of my classes are held (but busses run often). </p>
<p>Basically, my main concern is meeting people. I've been told numerous times that freshman should always live on campus...but is it really that important if i'll be joining clubs and be on campus most of the time anyway? The entire apartment complex is people from the university, although most of them are likely upperclassmen. So should I pick the dorm with the only pros being that it's a little closer and I might meet more people that way? Or is it worth it in my situation (main concern - very crowded/bad housing) to give up the possibly better social aspect?
Sorry that was long and detailed and thanks for your opinions!</p>
<p>In the old days (MY era!), I'd say, "Go with the dorm" for the social reasons you cited. But, in this situation, it sounds like you'll have a much higher degree of comfort in the apartment and yet it will still give you access to a student community, so the apartment actually gets my vote. </p>
<p>I assume you have checked college policies and have confirmed that freshmen are allowed to live off-campus, right?</p>
<p>Also, my advice for all freshmen is to resist the urge to rely on today's electronic conveniences (IM, cell phones, texting, etc.) to keep in touch with your high school friends 24/7. In your case, however, it's especially important, since you won't be surrounded by fellow freshmen and you may be tempted to rely on your old pals for support. One girl I know lived in a mostly-sophomore dorm as a freshman. At first, she felt as if everyone knew everyone else--except for her. So she spent most of her free time communicating with her high school friends at other colleges. That made her feel even more out of the loop. Eventually she did make friends at her own college, but she struggled a lot at the beginning because she maintained too-close ties with her old crowd. </p>
<p>I can understand your dilemma. Apartment living is a nicer way to go and having your own kitchen as a vegetarian is helpful. However, the bonding that goes on in the freshman dorm situations are invaluable...unfortunately, part of the bonding has to do with cramped quarters and less than stellar conditions. My S's dorm was very jail cell like his freshman year, but everyone leaves their doors open and lots of socializing goes on. The bonds with the kids he met on his floor that year have stayed with him the following years. This coming semester he is now in an apartment with his original roommate from freshman year and two other kids from his floor. </p>
<p>Unless you are super confident in your social skills and really feel it is more important to have your creature comforts, then I would suggest the dorm. You can never go back to freshman year, but you can move out to an apartment any time.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. Yes, it's an apartment complex (with most, if not all, students). And I'm going to the University of Florida in Gainesville.</p>
<p>Forcing three people in a small double room is just wrong. Plus, you will meet plenty of people through classes, clubs, etc and be MUCH less stressed out.</p>