Sophomore communications major Erin Courtney is moving out ofThe University of Memphis dorm to move in with a few friends.
"I want to have more of my own space, like my own kitchen and myown bathroom," said Courtney, 19. "I don't want to abide by all ofthe dorm rules anymore."
Many students at The U of M have already flown the coop and arenow searching for even more independence in off-campusapartments.
Junior Vanessa Verner, psychology major, lived at home duringher freshman year, in a dorm her sophomore and junior years andwill occupy an off-campus apartment her senior year.
"I like living in a dorm better than living at home because Ihate the commute, but I had to pay for my dorm out of pocket, andit cost too much," Verner said. "I need my own room, and I wantprivacy."
Verner also said the constant moving in and out every semesterwas weighing down on her.
"I got tired of having to pack and unpack and doing it all overagain every break," Verner said. "With my own place, I don't haveto do that."
For some students, the independence outweighs the greaterresponsibility that comes with off-campus living, said JamieGentzler, leasing manager for the University Cabana Apartments.
"The pitfall of living in an apartment is that you have to payfor it," Gentzler said. "When you live in a dorm, you pay oneamount and that covers everything, including utilities, but that isnot the case when you live in an apartment."
The best part about off-campus living is the independence, saidGentzler. But that means independence of everything, includingincome. Many students also enjoy the extra space. The UniversityCabana considers itself to be student-oriented, Gentzler said.
"Eighty to 90 percent of University Cabana residents are collegestudents, so we try to keep rates reasonable, and we havestudent-based activities," Gentzler said. Resident appreciationday, pool parties, and other "mingling" events are just a few ofthe activities offered by the University Cabana apartments.
In the debate about living off campus versus on campus, muchresearch has been done.
Many upper-class students choose to move into off-campusapartments, said Daniel Armitage, director of U of M ResidenceLife. "They have developed relationships and are connected with theinstitution."
Although living in off-campus apartments can help them mature,there are a few reasons students should wait to move intoapartments, Armitage said.
"Paying the utility bills, phone bills, cable, etc. ... maycause money management problems, which students have struggled withfor years," he said. "Also, sharing an apartment with someonebecomes challenging if the roommate can't pay their portion of thebills or they choose to opt out of the apartment with littlenotice."
The benefits of living on campus are proven statistically,Armitage said.
"Students who live on campus have better grades, have a highergraduation rate and have a tendency to go on to graduate school andprofessional programs," he said.
Students who live on campus participate more in studentorganizations, develop stronger relationships with the faculty andhave a stronger tie to the institution, Armitage added.
As for Courtney, Verner and their friends, they all continue toplan a move for next semester.
"Yes, it is more convenient to pay everything with one lump sum,but I think when you put it all together, it comes out to be almostthe same," Courtney said.
