The long-term decision of finding a place to call home is made easy for students who decide to live on campus in the dorms or campus apartments.
Lauren Rodriguez never considered anything else.
"You don't have to put on your one-piece snowsuit just to get to class," said Rodriguez, a junior psychology major. "You hop on the bus, step off right in front of the Student Union, and then walk inside the rest of the way."
Aside from the convenient location, on campus living makes it easier for students to enjoy the college life. There are fully stocked fitness centers and convenience stores in Ellicott, Governors and Goodyear to make life a bit less burdening for its residents.
Also unique to on-campus living, Red Jacket Quad in Ellicott has 28 computer terminals for student use. South Campus' computer lab located on the first floor of Clement has ten computer stations, not to mention many books, magazines and other resources.
"I like living on-campus because it's so close to everything," said Adrienne Markey, a junior marketing and international business major. "You don't have to fight for parking and it's easier to get to early classes."
Ellicott also boasts the Blake Academic Success Center, a quiet study area in a relaxed setting. The center also provides tutoring upon request.
Besides the dorms, UB has plenty of on-campus apartment living. The undergraduate complexes are Hadley, Flint, and South Lake. Creekside Village and Flickinger Court are the on campus apartments for graduate students and families.
Transportation to and from on-campus apartments is also provided so students can go back and forth at their leisure. Someone living off-campus might find themselves stuck waiting in the Student Union between classes.
"I like being able to run back to my apartment if I forgot a homework assignment or something," said Jayce Grefrath, a senior civil engineering major. "I also like the fact that I can make the transition from living with my family to living on my own more fluently."
While living on campus certainly seems to have plenty of benefits, like most things, there are drawbacks. The cheapest dorm room offered at UB, which is a quad consisting of four bedrooms, costs $4280 for the year, not including summers.
The apartments are even more expensive. Prices can cost anywhere from $530 to $1400 a month, although the lease is for the entire year.
Some may find it difficult to separate school from leisure when living on campus. Neighbors throwing loud parties and people leaving dirty dishes in the common kitchen area can get old pretty quickly.
"I like living off campus a lot better. It provides a good separation of school and personal life," said Maureen Finn, a junior business major.
Common complaints of on campus living are that the walls are thin. Lighting candles is prohibited. The Resident Assistant's are always trying to get students excited for some upcoming ice cream social, and when it's time to study there's always some idiot playing baseball in the hall.
On campus life can undoubtedly be exhausting at times, but many students seem to be happy with the choice they've made.
"I like the convenience and I save on gas by not having to drive to campus," said Anna Gossin, a senior English major. "I also like not having to buy new furniture."
