Off-Campus Housing -- Safety & Affordability

<p>If I decide to attend FU, I'd have to commute from either my home on Long Island or from an apartment closer to campus. My questions regard the safety and affordability of such nearby housing. I'd definitely try to get a roommate(s) to share an apartment and lower the costs. As well as financial difficulty, I suspect two other drawbacks. One would be the danger of living in the Bronx without the school's security for protection. I don't plan on hanging around outside when it's dark, but I'm sure there would be times when I'd be coming home from a late party, event, class, etc. Another is the feeling of isolation from the school's community. I'd try to get as involved as I can in clubs/sports/events and all but I feel that dorming is a major part of the college experience and worry that I still may not feel like a true FU student. I wouldn't join in on late-night dorm parties and talks. Nor would I be able to hang out with friends after class because I'd have to drop off my books first at wherever my apartment would be. Can anyone respond to my concerns in agreement/disagreement and with your own experience? Any advice?</p>

<p>Thank you kindly for your time and help.</p>

<p>The advantages to living on campus at Rose Hill are many. The list below is just some ideas to consider as you make your plans. </p>

<p>DISADVANTAGES of living in an off-campus apartment:
If you live off campus in the Bronx, it can take 15-20 minutes to walk to most RH classrooms. In practice, that means that once you leave your apartment for the day, you don’t go back until after all classes are done.<br>
The lease – it usually has to be paid for all 12 months, even if you aren’t there for summers.
You’ll be much less apt to attend campus events, professor’s office hours, use the library, etc.
You need more time to get to class, so you can’t sleep in as long, or get a short between-classes nap.
You don’t have time to get back to your room if you forgot a book, computer, paper, or phone.
It’s harder to meet up with others for group projects and study sessions
You’ll have a much smaller group of potential friends. You will not be part of the many dorm activities, impromptu meetings and events…
Eating – if you live off campus, you’ll probably live on pizza or other snacks during midterms and finals, or when papers are due, and in winter during snow and freezing temps.
There are basically no taxis in this area, so plan on walking!
Your food costs are high – there are no suburban supermarkets close by. Small stores are great, but tend to be expensive, and limited in options.
You have to allow time to shop, and then carry your food and sundries purchases - no matter how many tests and papers you may have due that week.
You’ll have to pay for internet access and TV, plus possibly utilities too.
Landlords can take a long time to fix things that break, or to do pest control. </p>

<p>Safety – a big one. You will have evening classes, evening meetings, evening study sessions, evening campus events. And you WILL be walking home in the dark, down the streets of the Bronx, alone. It’s actually very safe in the daytime, but night can be risky – as in any city. The campus is gated and has staffed entrances.
You’ll have to provide your own vacuum, toilet paper, printer (some dorms have printers), etc.
Noise: You have to put up with neighbors’ parties, music, and yelling, plus street noises. (Campus housing has quiet requirements during the night and during midterms and finals.)
Laundry costs and time– It can easily cost $5 a load – or more off campus. (It’s free on campus, and generally safe to leave your load and come back.) </p>

<p>ADVANTAGES:
You’ll have a more independent living experience
Possibly less expensive
Fewer restrictions on: noise, alcohol, people staying overnight, microwaves, candles…
You can stay during Christmas and Spring break.
You’ll most likely live in New York’s original Little Italy.
You can store your belongings during summers, and maybe charge others to store their stuff.
You can eat whatever you want to buy and cook – or dine at nearby restaurants.
Housing can stay the same for all four years.<br>
Keep in mind - some of the ‘Disadvantages’ I listed above may seem like ‘Advantages’ to you!</p>

<p>You have lots of choices –just choose what is most important to you!<br>
I hope this helps as you investigate your options. </p>

<p>Go Rams! </p>

<p>The only benefit of living off campus is for LC students. I don’t really see the benefit in Rose Hill.</p>