A
female
age
30-35,
*mandanash
writes:This isn't a relationship question, but more an inquiry about personal experiences and advice. I have the choice of either living in a residence at my university (in a quad with 6 other people) or with a good friend of mine off campus. On campus would be much more convenient and easier on classes, but I am not partier and enjoy a quiet lifestyle, which is what i would find living off campus. I am though, interested in meeting new people. Does anyone have any reccomendations between residence for uni or off campus?
View related questions:
university Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, daletom  +, writes (9 July 2010):
Here's a slightly different opinion. I was always somewhat bookish, not a party type, on the quiet-and-shy side. I liked the convenience, diversity, and options of dorm life. And, I think it helped me step out and explore myself a bit more.
When I started school, incoming students (even transfers) were required to live in the dorm for one term unless they were married or had a home-of-record within commuting distance. I don't know how they did it, but the housing staff did a good job of pairing compatible roommates.
After 2 years in a hall of 2-man rooms, 3 of my friends and I (guys who I probably wouldn't have become friends with if we hadn't lived in the dorm) had enough seniority to take one of the "suites" in the dorm. These were similar to your "quad", but there were only a couple dozen of them at my school at that time - and quite popular, so there was a waiting list based on your year and class rank.
In the dorm I had a wider circle of friends and acquaintances to interact with. I could walk or ride the bike to anyplace on campus in 15 minutes or less. After I had a car, there was a close-by parking place though I probably drove anywhere only a couple times during the week. Meal hours were set, but I didn't have to bother with planning, preparation, or cleanup. (OK, it wasn't GREAT food but I never went hungry - or lost weight.) Within the dorm we had TV rooms, a snack bar and grill open until midnight, a game room, quiet study rooms, weight room and sauna, and a music room where guys could jam or form up into groups.
I went to a different grad school but lived in the Graduate House there. Not much different from the dorms, but (as you'd expect) a more mature group. Again, I made friends I probably wouldn't have otherwise - including some female girl persons of the opposite sex I would have tried to date if I wasn't already almost engaged to the woman I married.
A
female
reader, BettyBoup  +, writes (9 July 2010):
 I would go with the off campus option. You say you prefer a quiet lifestyle. I have lived in a big student building with 5 other people. Trust me, it is anything but quiet! If you are living with party people, it may be very hard to have much quiet time to yourself. And it will be noisy most nights anyway with other people coming in to the building drunk.
There are other ways of meeting new people. If you join a club or society of something you are interested in for example, you will have more chance of meeting like minded people, than being thrown into a flat with strangers.
...............................
A
female
reader, xanthic +, writes (9 July 2010):
 Off-campus would be the better choice. You'll be living with someone you already get along well with, and won't have to share your personal space with 6 other people you don't even know. There's plenty of opportunities to make new friends outside of getting a place with 6 strangers, and you won't have to deal with the drama guaranteed to come along with it.
...............................
|
