I am attending UTA this upcoming fall and a friend of mine is as well. She has to live off campus because of her cat and I want to live with her. I have already done my research ion the cost and expenses. The only issue is convincing my parents I am ready. I have done everything for myself since I was 16. I have a had a job since the day I turned 16 so I can pay for my own gas, pay for my car insurance, pay for college application fees, and etc. I pay for everything myself and I don’t rely upon my parents for things. I am a very independent and very responsible. My parents didn’t go to college so they don’t what to expect. The apartment is a five minute walk from the campus. They keep telling me that I am almost ready but I am not quite there yet. How do I convince them that I am readyo take on this responsibility and independence?
UTA-- when people say that here in Texas everyone just assumes “University of Texas at Arlington.” Is that what you mean?
I realllllllly really really would advise against this… (parent here)
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First of all, will the college allow this?
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During freshman orientation you meet so many people. You will be severely limiting your social life and getting involved with your college community.
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Living in a dorm is a step toward independence. That is why thousands and thousands of college students start in dorms the first couple of years. Instead of having people make food for you and clean common areas, you are responsible for shopping and cooking/making all your meals. You are responsible for cleaning and not running out of toilet paper. Loading and unloading the dishwasher. Paying bills.
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You are the oldest you have been in your life and the most mature you have ever been…you don’t know how much farther you have to mature. Your parents see you have room to grow.
5)You think you are friends with this girl…but being friends and living together are two different things. Is she neat? Does she clean up after her cat? Does she do housework? Will she mooch off you? Will she stay up late? What if she has friends over you don’t like? What if she has has a boyfriend who never leaves?
You won’t have a resident assistant to help you mediate and will be stuck with her.
6)Are you afraid of a random roommate and are just grabbing on to someone you know? What if you find new friends and don’t want to hang out with her anymore?
- Off campus apartments may be rented for the year. Why pay for the summer when you won’t be there?
You haven’t said why you DON’T want to live in a dorm…why make more work for yourself and isolate yourself?
UTA says: Why Live on Campus?
LIVE AND LEARN
Students living on campus are more likely to earn higher GPAs, complete degrees on time, and even pursue advanced degrees. Living on campus keeps students connected 24/7 with more access to caring administrators and faculty who understand and are meeting the needs of the students. Have your student get ahead by being close to the resources they need to excel.
FIND FRIENDS
Making friends is easier when they don’t have to go out of their way to find them. In our residence halls and apartment communities, students will live in close proximity to a group of peers who are going through many of the same things they are. And with regularly scheduled activities that build community spirit, getting acquainted is easy – it’s literally right at their front door!
GET INVOLVED
With close to 5,100 students living on campus, there are always opportunities for involvement, both academically and socially. Students can join any of our more than 290 student organizations, a Freshman Interest Group, or get involved with intramural sports – there’s never a shortage of things to do, and living on campus means it’s convenient. Not only that, but being involved enhances the co-curricular experiences a student needs to be successful.
HAVE FUN
In 20 minutes or less students can get to: any classroom, a basketball game, multiple dining locations and coffee shops, a treadmill or climbing wall, University libraries, theatre productions, and performances by comedians and music groups. Throw in beloved Maverick traditions like Bed Races, Oozeball, and Homecoming, and your student will have the time of their life.
Living off campus is pretty great. It really takes the sting out of leaving home for college, because you still have most of the comforts of home. Plus you get an actual real bed not some postage stamp sized dorm bed.
You will meet a lot more people living on campus freshman year. Don’t underestimate the benefits of that.
Is the cost similar to dorming ?