Despite occasional broken elevators and bursting pipes, many students say on-campus housing provides creature comforts that keep them from going astray.
On-campus living can provide an array of social and practical benefits.
"It's convenient and closer to my classes," said Engineering junior Utku Alhun, who lives in Hill College House.
Wharton junior Dennis Yu is also pleased with the proximity to his classes. As a resident of Harnwell College House, he likes that he doesn't "have to brave the wind tunnel" in between the high rise dormitories on his way to Hunstman Hall.
In addition to its proximity to classes, College sophomore Chelsea Albright feels that "Hamilton [College House] is also a good location just because it's right by the grocery store."
On-campus accommodations such as free cable, Ethernet access, and computer labs provide convenient alternatives for students who don't want to worry about paying utility fees.
"There are many amenities on campus, in housing, that people value," said Spruce House Dean Marilynne Diggs-Thompson.
In comparison to the horror stories he has heard about unattended leaking roofs, Yu cites the relatively expedient responses from maintenance as a benefit of on-campus living.
While on-campus housing provides many practical benefits, there is also a social component that makes living on campus an appealing choice. One of the aims of on-campus housing is to foster a sense of community among residents.
"You can form a wide variety of friendships," said Diggs-Thompson, referring to house-sponsored social events such as Spruce's midnight brunches and chili nights held during Reading Days.
Similarly, Graduate Associate Babaesu Bey Adibe -- who experienced the benefits of both on and off-campus housing during his undergraduate years at the University -- feels that living in a dormitory makes it easier to stay involved in campus happenings.
"When you want to be a part of something bigger, it's a little harder [when you're] off-campus," Bey Adibe said.
Dorms that offer a more communal environment, such as the Quadrangle and Hill College House, are particularly attractive to incoming freshmen. Engineering freshman Brandon Chen chose to live in Hill because of its reputation as "the most social college house."
Safety is another added feature to living on campus.
"My parents would be more comfortable knowing that I had security," Albright said.
