Hello! I have to make the major decision of where to live for college this fall. I’m only part freshman because I dueled enrolled in high school and finished out my associates degree. I can either live in the dorms or get a two story townhouse with my sister and her boyfriend who already go there. The place is a five minute drive from campus, so I am not worried about the commute. Also, I would have my own room. The townhouse would be much cheaper and more spacious of course, but the thing I’m worrying about missing out on is the social life. How valuable were your guys’ freshmen year in the dorms? Is it overrated or is it necessary to build friendships? I am thinking of still getting a meal plan so I can eat with friends on campus. Opinions would be appreciate!
Freshman bonding is important, but close quarter, communal living may not be the safest course in the age of Covid-19 (coronavirus).
I hate to put it this way, but if you got sick with the flu or another virus, where would you prefer to recover ?
The townhouse with family sounds tempting compared to a dorm room with a stranger BUT at least in my DD’19’s experience, dorm life was important. Her friends have come from her hall and from being in theatre productions. She’s very social and loved having a bunch of friends right in her building to play board games. She was lucky to have a perfect roommate and kids she fit in with on her hall. She’s very ready to live off campus next year and cook for herself, but at least now she has an established group.
On the other hand, not everyone will have such a great experience in a dorm and a townhouse is probably way nicer…
How long will your sister be there? Can you do one year in dorms and have the option to live with her after?