Most first-year students and sophomores are required to live on campus at WKU. But upperclassmen will have to decide whether to continue living on campus or find a place off the Hill. Here are some pros and cons for each option.

ON CAMPUS

Pros

■ Accessibility to the school

You can easily walk to classes, libraries, computer labs, cafeterias, etc. You don’t have to waste time and money on driving to school and finding a parking space.

■ Increased social life

You can meet more people and establish more friendships. You will also usually be more aware of campus activities and how to be involved in them.

■ Simplicity

You don’t have to worry about monthly rent payments, utilities or grocery shopping. Most students who live in a dorm get a meal plan in order to make eating easy and convenient.

Cons

■ Little privacy

It can be very hard to find privacy. You have to share bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Close living quarters mean that you may never have quiet time in your dorm.

■ Limited space

You have to limit what you bring to school, or your space will be too crowded. That means you can’t bring a different pair of shoes for every outfit.

■ Possible low GPA

If you constantly choose hanging out with your dorm buddies over studying at the library, your GPA will suffer.

 OFF CAMPUS

Pros

■ Independence

Dorms have several rules that students must abide by when living on campus. Living off campus will give you freedom from those rules and allow you to set your own.

■ Privacy

Living off campus means you will more than likely have your own bedroom, so you can have a place to sneak off and have time alone away from your roommates.

■ Sense of responsibility

If you live off campus, you will be in charge of paying bills, cleaning house, grocery shopping and cooking. Being responsible is a good quality to possess.

Cons

■ More expensive

In addition to paying rent, you may also need to buy furniture, kitchen essentials, bath necessities, cleaning supplies, etc., which will be a hefty start-up cost.

■ Transportation

It may not be convenient to walk to campus. Whether you drive or use public transportation, it is going to cost money. Also, traffic can be an issue if you live in a crowded area.

■ Isolation

You may not be as involved in campus activities. This could cause you to feel a sense of detachment with WKU and cause you to not make as many friends.

source: ecampustours.com