Students venture into West Phila.

After debating whether to live in the high rises next year, Wharton freshman Matt Barrett decided that he is ready to move off campus. "Living in a high rise doesn't offer you the independence that living off campus does," Barrett said. "Personally, I think it's important for a student to get out into the real world." Barrett's sentiments are not unique. According to Off-Campus Living Assistant Director Mihaela Farcas, approximately 3,100 undergraduates moved off campus into the University City area last year. Students looking to live off campus are often seeking lower costs, specific neighborhoods and increased social opportunities, Farcas said, adding that the most popular reason students choose to live off campus is the desire for independence. College senior Max De Santis, who has been living off campus for two years, said he likes the convenience of having year-long access to his building. "It's significantly cheaper for better living conditions and you have a place to keep your things over the summer," De Santis said. "The only drawback is that it's a pain to walk to [David Rittenhouse Laboratory] in the morning." College junior Josh Schwartz said he believes students tend to follow a general trend in their housing choice. "I feel that basically no one lives in the high rises for more than one year," Schwartz said. "Freshman year, you're in the Quad, sophomore year you're in the high rises and then you realize on-campus living stinks, so you move off campus." But while many choose to move off campus, a larger amount of students opt to stay within the Residential Living system. According to Occupancy Administration Assistant Director Ellie Ruspis, many students choose on-campus living for the convenience of location, security and access to ResNet. Ruspis added that the community atmosphere is a big attraction for students. "The social activity can go on at all times of day and night," Ruspis said. "That's all part of having a being able to live with other students in a community environment." College sophomore Melissa Korsin said she chose to live in the high rises next year because of the freedom to rent for only one semester. "Because I'm going abroad next year, living in the high rises is easier than trying to find someone to sublet for a semester," Korsin said. Several students also argued that on-campus living offers a more convenient payment plan. College freshman Karyn Daley explained that Residential Living does not require the large, immediate deposit that most private area landlords do. "Since Financial Services doesn't give you a check until rebate time, it's tough to come up with the deposit," Daley said. Ruspis said Residential Living tries to provide desirable housing to students, by conducting surveys to ascertain what students want. But according to Farcas, off-campus living will remain a necessity given the large size of the student population.