Ayoub

I want to go to a dorm soooo bad but my dad really wants me to be in an apartment. I can probably fight my way into a dorm... but is it worth it? Do you think having an apartment is like having a dorm? Give me the good and bad about both plz thank you

LACtransferhopes

why's your dad want you to get an apartment??
my parents are fighting me tooth and nail NOT to opt for an apartment but to "integrate into the college life experience" at the school i transfer to.

LACtransferhopes

having an apartment and having a dorm are almost entirely different. unless you find a roommate from your school, you'll be living by yourself or with someone you don't know. you'll be apart from the campus community, a big deal especially if you're going to a small school whose community defines its character. you'll have a lot more privacy, space of your own...and a lot more responsibility. unless you go to the campus for every meal, you won't be on the meal plan, so you need to do your own groceries, clean your own bathroom, pay your utilities, and if something goes wrong, good luck getting getting your landlord to fix it.
also, safety-wise, student housing tends to be watched by campus police, generally well-lit, and most campuses will offer a security escort service or something similar if you are walking on the campus late at night and don't feel safe.
i personally see the positives as outweighing the negatives (plus i have cats, and student housing doesn't allow pets...like ever, anywhere), but it's a big difference.

Ayoub

you are SO lucky! My dad thinks that a dorm is a big distraction and is full of... arrgghhh dont get me started lol

but like i said i might (might*) convince him, but first i want to convince myself

LACtransferhopes

if anything, the loads of added responsibility for caring for an apartment are a MUCH bigger distraction. and if your apartment neighbor next door starts throwing a party and you can hear every noise and music beat through your paper-thin walls, there's not much you can do about it (except, you know, call that "always so attentive" landlord, or the police if it's loud and late enough).

good luck!

Ayoub

LACtransferhopes, you have good points... but then why do a lot of students live in apartments?

~im going to be going to UCLA or USC btw

burgler09

Most upperclassmen students tend to live in apartments because they don't feel like dealing with a bunch of freshman. It is a big difference moving in as a transfer or freshman. You want to be in a position where you are around people your age, the dorms would be a better idea if you are going to be a freshman because you will be able to meet more people and will probably be happier. The happier you are the better you will probably do in school, I'd highly recommend sitting your dad down and explaining there will be just as much distraction in an apartment-if not more.

Ayoub

God burgler your like EVERYWHERE!! haha, but your great help. thanks a lot

GregoryMitchell

If your shy and reserved than living off campus is a terrible idea.

burgler09

Ayoub, haahah... I'm on break and my job doesn't start until monday so I'm a serious bum. I lay down with my laptop, play poker and refresh CC probably way too often.

Ayoub

i can picture that lol

do you play poker for fun or with real money?

burgler09

Real money, I used to play for a living my freshman year of college but quit due to it being too time consuming (played 40-50 hours per week)

Ayoub

wow, i hear so much stories of people ruining their lives because of online ... whats the most you lost? and the most you gained? did you gain or lose money overall?

trojanchick99

Take advantage of university housing. If you are going to 'SC or UCLA finding an apartment on your own will be ridiculously hard and expensive.

If you want less distraction try a suite as they tend to be quieter that traditional dorms. However, I most definitely recommend living in university housing as a freshman as you truly get the "College experience".

Ayoub

thanks trojanchick... you go to USC?