On campus or off campus? South or Central? Blue Square or Old Farm? All important questions that need answering soon. Fall semester is starting, and as a freshman it’s always hard to figure out where the best place to live is. Knowing nothing about the campus other than the one or two tours, picking seems close to impossible. This is to help those who aren’t quite sure of which places offer what. A quick rundown of housing options on and off campus.
On campus housing is a great way to get acclimated to campus and life as a college student especially as a freshman. South campus is as close to campus as you can get. Located only a five minute walk from the library and ten minutes from Old Main it is a great way to stay close to classes and campus.
The LLC, Learning Living Center, is the next closest on campus housing. Located a couple feet from Old Main and the TSC, the LLC is a great way to help get acclimated to campus. One small hitch is that is it one of the more “party places” on campus. Lots of parties happen in these places, so if that isn’t something that’s you find appealing, it would not be recommended.
Central campus is another great way to help get acclimated. While South campus is very much on campus, Central allows one to be close, but not too close. It is closer to the bus stops and field house for those that work out a lot or have no car. Living here is useful in learning the bus system both for the city and for the campus shuttle.
Finally there is the Student Living Center. Being right by the cemetery and about ten minutes from most buildings, it gives you a feel of being off campus without actually being off campus. Becoming familiar with the bus systems can be quite necessary when the “Logan Winter” hits, because let’s face it, no one likes walking in a blizzard.
While on campus is good for incoming freshmen, let’s now go through the options for close off campus housing. sophomores favor off campus housing more, but these apartments are also good for freshmen since they are the ones right below the stadium.
Old Farm, is a simple apartment complex located only a ten minute walk from campus, or a two minute walk to the campus shuttle. Affordable with WiFi and mostly furnished, it is a great place for those off campus to still remain close to campus.
Next to the Old Farm apartment complex is Blue Square. Blue Square is not only apartments, it also includes a Jacuzzi, hot tub, pool, restaurants, and are completely furnished. Making most other apartments look like nothing, Blue Square is almost the latest and greatest in apartments.
Another one along the same road is Pine View. The apartments are smaller, but they still fill every need a college student has. Being right next to a gas station, Pine View makes late night caffeine runs that much easier for those all night study sessions.
Obviously I’m not listing all of the off campus options, nor am I listing all on campus options. The housing options I have listed give a general idea of what to expect either on or off campus. I stay by the fact that freshmen find it easier, especially their first semester, to live on campus. Living on campus helps get you familiar with campus and college life, then moving off campus helps in meeting more people and getting a new experience. Isn’t that what college is all about?
