With housing application deadlines for next year just around the corner, students face the choice of living on or off campus.
Opinions about living options are acutely divided, and most base their decisions on past experiences with the College House system.
College freshman Joy Deng has decided to stay in Ware College House, even though many of her friends are setting up communities in other houses.
"I think the Quad is the prettiest place on campus, and I don't want to leave it," Deng said. "I feel a lot of peer pressure compelling me to go to the high rises, but I really just can't do it. I've found a nice, quiet single here in the Quad for next year."
Even though she enjoyed her freshman experience, Deng had some complaints about the choices made available to her within the Quadrangle.
"The only problem is the lack of suites. With more suites and options for community living, the Quad would attract a more diverse body of students, including many sophomores and upperclassmen," Deng said.
Other students had difficult experiences in the Quad, and have chosen to move out next year.
"My room was flooded during one of the hurricanes, and that was a big hassle," College freshman Alison Zinser said. "Overall, I enjoyed living in the Quad, since it was a great way to adjust to dorm life, but I am ready to move to the high rises. I want an apartment-style set-up, with a kitchen and a common room."
As of now, the high rises are a very popular choice for students seeking a pre-constructed community of neighbors.
"It will be nice to live with a group of people you know and trust," Engineering freshman Sarah Jiang said. "I think it is important to build a community I feel comfortable with.
Other students highlighted the advantages of living off-campus, citing the heightened independence and larger living spaces.
"I absolutely loved living off-campus this year," College junior Brian Walsh said. "I live with three of my friends in a building, and it is a great atmosphere. Our place this year is so much nicer than the tiny apartments [we lived in last year]. Even if on campus there is easier access to amenities like washing machines and tech support, learning how to live on your own and deal with a landlord is very important."
Engineering sophomore Janis Scanlon said she enjoyed living in her off-campus house very much, but admitted there were some problems.
"It was a hassle having to call your own electrician or plumber," Scanlon said. "It's a very independent life."
Some students appreciated the new levels of freedom given to them by off-campus housing.
Living off campus "is a blast," College junior David Kornfeld said. "No bursting water pipes, no swiping Penn Cards, no snooping RAs."
