subject: Setting Basic Criteria When Selecting Your College Part 7 [print this page] When selecting your college, think of your basic needs food as well as sleep. Apart from studying and having a social life, you are going to spend your time eating and sleeping in the living arrangement option you have chosen. Being the most basic needs, they better be good as it will most likely influence the other areas of your life as well.
This is part 7 of the series that explains the basic criteria to be considered when selecting a college. This article discusses the living arrangement options on and around campus that a student can have.
The dorm
The most obvious option is the dorm. Living on-campus can be fun and allows you to make new friends and know your college and surroundings better. Food is never a problem in the dorm. Staying at a dorm means easy access to the campus, library, student center, etc. Many additional facilities are available at the dorms such as study rooms, internet access, and many facilities. Some dorms also provide gym-like facilities in case you are a fitness freak.
The biggest disadvantage of a dorm is the lack of privacy. You will find many people constantly together with you which can be bothersome if you were looking to make many new friends. All the facilities offered by the dorm are for everyone and not exclusively for you, not even your bathroom. So, if you value your privacy, then maybe dorm is not the right place for you. However, a dorm can be quite an experience, so even if for a small duration, it would be worth living there.
Student apartments
These are on-campus or sometimes near-campus options that are usually offered to upper class students as they are more expensive than the dorm. However, they do offer more privacy than the dorms. Living with a roommate or two is a way to reduce cost but then some amount of privacy is also lost.
Off-campus alternatives are easier to find at any time. However, on-campus and near-campus options are worth exploring.
