Hello,
I’ve been accepted to SDSU and WVU next semester. Been looking for possible living situations but don’t know what I want. What are your suggestions, should I experience the life of american dormitory or should I just rent an apartment?
Oh and how is it with cars at the university, can I get a parking spot if I get a dorm room?
Thanks
Parking depends entirely on the school. I think it’s a good idea to dorm for at least a year - it’s a good way to meet people, and there’s an official structure to dealing with roommates if you have issues, while if you’re stuck in a lease you have to work it out yourself. Many schools make freshmen stay in the dorms for just this reason. If you hate it, it’s just for a year, and if it’s intolerable you can request a room change.
I’ll only be in the US for 1 semester. I like to force myself to be social, because usually I’m to lazy to get out.
I did stay in my friends single dorm, with him, in Sweden for 2 months, but that’s because I couldn’t find anything else. Didn’t really like it because I only had a bed in the room, couldn’t do anything else there.
If you’ll only be here one semester, I would get a dorm room. Few apartment leases will allow you to rent for only a few months - nearly every apartment close to by campus does a 12 month lease, no exceptions. You may be able to find someone to sublease you for the semester, but I would still recommend the convenience and community of dorm life over that of apartment living. Why will you only be here one semester, though?
Parking depends on your university, usually there is parking for on campus students, but it may be limited or dolled out in a lottery fashion. Are you saying you’ll only be in the country one semester but plan to bring a car?
First if you’re only going to be in the US for one semester, go to San Diego State. Second, do the universities provide exchange students with housing? If so, go with what they provide to students like yourself. If they offer both apartments and dorms I’d opt for an apartment. You’ll be able to save money on food, have substantially more room, and be able to relax at the end of the day in a way that dorms make difficult.
The “Dorm life” is not all it’s cracked up to be. Most of the buildings are old and ratty, the conditions are really about the same as a minimum security prison and it’s expensive. An apartment is much more tranquil, nicer and less expensive.
Defintely stay in a dorm…if you are coming for a semester, it is to get the American college experience. You will be able to make friends more easily and also it will be easier to participate in campus life. You won’t have to worry about going to buy food and make it if you are on the meal plan.
And more practically, it is much harder to get an apartment leased for only a semester. Usually it is for an academic year or a calendar year.
ITA with @whenhen. Go to SDSU instead of WVU. WVU is OK academically but it is insular and isolated. SDSU will provide you with a more diverse and well-rounded experience of American life.