As a freshman in my first semester at the University of Idaho, I lived in the Wallace Residence Center. It was the ultimate first-year dorm experience – a bunk bed, linoleum floor, the whole works. As I contemplated my second-year housing choices, both the Living Learning Communities and an off-campus apartment were appealing options. After weighing the pros and cons of each, I chose the Living and Learning Community (LLC). However, this semester as I considered my third-year options, I chose to find an off-campus apartment. Here are some factors that came into play as I weighed my options and ultimately chose my housing path.
Lyndsie Kiebert
Argonaut
Cost
There is no sugarcoating it – living in the LLC”s is expensive. Because I go to school primarily on scholarships, this housing option was viable for me, but it may not be for everyone. Two semesters (approximately 10 months) in the LLC”s costs over $6,000, while a two-bedroom apartment in Moscow averages $400 a month including all expenses: water, electricity, Internet, etc.
Convenience
Living in the LLC”s this year has no doubt been a pleasure in terms of proximity to campus. I can run back to my room during short breaks between classes if I happen to forget a required book, or I desperately need a bite to eat from my own fridge. Convenience doesn”t stop at proximity to my classes. Another huge plus of living in the LLC”s is the fact that everything is paid for in one chunk at the start of each semester. I have no periodic bills like I will when I move into my apartment. Even further, the LLC”s are fully furnished upon move-in – no need to haul a desk or mattress from home. Convenience is something I will hugely miss when I move off campus.
Kitchen
I am currently learning to cook for myself and I am loving it. What I don”t love, however, is sharing a kitchen space with dozens of other students in the LLC. I have to make sure I have all of my ingredients, utensils and other required materials with me before I head downstairs to use one of the two ovens in my LLC. I didn”t realize how much this would deter me from making my own nutritious meals – more often than not, I can be found microwaving frozen meals in my room simply because I hate the hassle of using a frequently messy shared space. I am beyond ready to settle into my apartment kitchen.
Independence
This really comes down to personal preference, but I am anxious to begin my journey as an off-campus student. The independence that comes with moving into the Moscow community and branching into true adulthood is something I feel I am ready for. Still, the LLC”s were an excellent place to transition from the bunk bed life to a more apartment-like setting.
The activities offered by the UI Residence Hall Association to those living on campus are great, and consistently being surrounding by my peers was often a comfort, but I feel ready to move on. Props to RHA for providing such an accommodating, fun space over the last two years, but my new place on Baker Street is calling my name.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @lyndsie_kiebert