Overcoming the hurdles

To students planning to live off campus, the apartment-hunting process may seem overwhelming. Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said he feels that moving off campus is more similar to a "rude awakening" than the act of independence many students expect. He cited several hurdles that all students must eventually deal with, including friction with landlords, paying utility and phone bills on time, buying furniture and dealing with roommates. "Their biggest adjustment might even be the inconvenient distance to campus or the loss of PennNet," Moneta said. Despite Moneta's claims, students said they feel the problems involved with living off campus are minimal. "The most difficult part is finding the apartment," said Nursing and College senior Rebecka Mowdy. "The rest is easy. There aren't really many problems." Mowdy lived off campus during her sophomore year, moved back on campus last year and again lived off campus this year. But she noted that her reasons for living on campus junior year centered around her roommate's needs. "Living off campus is far better than living on campus in every way," she said. College senior Carin Endzweig, who has been living off campus since sophomore year, said she has had the most difficulty just finding a place to live. Endzweig also noted that her awareness of safety issues has increased since she moved off campus. But she added that she has easily resolved many other problems, including paying her bills on time. For those who have insurmountable problems that warrant a need for help, the Office of Off-Campus Living, located on the corner of 41st and Walnut, not only helps students with adjustment problems, but can assist in the entire moving and living process. OCL, a sub-department of Residential Living, provides a weekly-updated computer listing of all available housing in the immediate area, landlord ratings based on past resident's opinions, rent information, free counseling for emotional problems and safety tips. OCL Assistant Director Mihaela Farcas said her department's main goal is "to improve the quality of off-campus life." Farcas said especially useful services offered by OCL include deciphering leases or utility and phone contracts, along with more general counseling. But OCL does not give legal advice, Farcas emphasized.

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