Without guaranteed on-campus housing beyond freshman year and with limited options for off-campus living, determining where to live can be tough for upperclassmen.
Faced with two clear choices, the student body seems split fairly evenly on the prospect of living on campus versus living off campus. About 40 percent of undergraduates live off campus. However, students make it clear that both alternatives are far from perfect.
"I enjoyed living on campus this year because it gave me the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn't have met otherwise," said College freshman Alex Seyferth, who chose to live off campus next year. "But I dislike how there's not as much freedom with what you want to do."
Many students cite freedom and comfort as two reasons for moving off campus.
Living off-campus for the first time this year, Wharton junior Catey Mark said the process of finding a house was tedious but well worth it.
"I wanted to live in an actual house because I thought it would be a lot more comfortable," Mark said. "My room in the high rise got flooded last year, and I got fed up with the college houses."
Such complaints are far from uncommon. However, though it may be frustrating at times, staying on campus prevents the stress that accompanies the off-campus housing search.
"I chose living on campus next year so I wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of off-campus housing and so I could be central to campus," Wharton and College freshman Mark Saadine said. "Eventually, I'll probably move off campus, but I don't feel like worrying about that yet."
In spite of the enhanced freedom that comes with living independently off campus, the comfort of security and safety is considered a valuable bonus of the college houses.
"Crime is definitely something you need to be ... careful about because it's different with no security off campus," Seyferth said. "It's not something that worries me, but it's definitely something you need to be well aware of."
After weighing their options, most students agree that both alternatives have their pros and cons, making the choice simply a matter of personal judgement.
"Living off campus is nice because you're not under the supervision of [a residential adviser], and the housing in general is more comfortable," Mark said. "Living on campus is nice because your utilities are taken care of, and you don't have to pay bills, but in general I'm happier living off campus."
