As the fall 2005 semester comes into full swing, The University of Memphis community begins to come together once again, and the great debate of college students everywhere begins to unfold: on-campus vs. off-campus living.
For many students, living on campus is one of the basic parts of college life, even with the negative parts being a necessary exchange for a taste of independence.
"It's really great because if you want to visit friends, all you have to do is get on the elevator," said McKenzie Greer, an undecided freshman and resident of Richardson Towers. "But then again, doing homework can be hard if your roommates are loud."
Whether living on campus or not, having a roommate is practically an inevitability for most first-year students.
Very few single dorms are available at The University's residence halls and the financial burden of paying for an apartment alone is nearly impossible for a full-time student.
"The toughest part is living within your means," said Patrick Canale, an undecided freshman who rents an off-campus apartment with friends.
"My friends had talked about it for a while. We wanted to get out and try something different, but you also have to be responsible about things."
Also, for first-year students living off campus, getting involved in campus life can be a bit more difficult.
"I have long days on campus and I'm also a pledge, so I still hang out a lot on campus. Finding things to do outside of class isn't a problem for me," Canale said.
For other students living off campus, yet another problem is found in getting to campus everyday.
"Even though I live off campus, I spend most of my time hanging out here," said Charlie Laster, a freshman pre-law major. "I don't live here because I need clean showers and free food, but gas is so expensive that some days it's not worth it to go to class."
On-campus students find transportation to be much less of a problem and more of a benefit.
"My favorite part of living on campus is being five minutes away from class- and if you feel like getting out, all you have to do is go outside your door," Greer said.
For most upperclassmen, living off-campus is the preferred choice, because of jobs, families, and other obligations. Still, transportation can be difficult.
"It takes about 40 minutes for me to get to campus. I try to avoid the interstates," said Jenniffer Gallo, a senior elementary education major who lives with her husband and child in Millington.
"I don't feel quite as involved in the community as people who live on-campus, but I still try to make it to things like football and basketball games."
