<p>So, I have a decision to make about housing next year: dorms, or off-campus condo?</p>
<p>Dorms will definitely be more sociable. But also, there will be many more distractions. I will be working ~25 hours/week on top of college, so this may be an issue.</p>
<p>The condo is about 2 miles from campus. </p>
<p>Also, I would really like to have a place of my own, esp. since I may end up owning said condo after college.</p>
<p>First check with your college… Some colleges require that you live on campus for Freshmand and Sophomore years unless you have a relative living in the area unto which you may live with them…</p>
<p>Example: UIUC generally requires freshman to stay in the dorms or in approved Certified Housing near campus. There are exceptions generally granted upon request – like people who already live in the area, older freshman. Many colleges have similar requirements and some even require that you stay in dorms, so check with college as to what you can do. Otherwise, living 2 miles away as a freshman takes you out of the comeraderie and interaction with other freshman, which many would consider a downside, but it is a matter of personal choice.</p>
<p>I live in the area…UCSD doesn’t have a policy on this.</p>
<p>make the most of your college years. Live in the dorms to start! Since you’re thinking of a large public like ucsd, you should know that lower-division classes tend to be large. As in 200-500 students. In a class that large you’re not going to meet many people. And being at a large U you’re not going to be seeing many of the same people in your classes.</p>
<p>The perennial problem at the large U is how to meet people and make friends. The answer is to get involved; join clubs, participate in intramural sports, etc. And one big way to get to know people is to live in the dorms frosh year. Everyone is on the same page, knowing few if any people. In the dorms you’ll meet 50-80 people right off on your floor, and more in other actitivies centered around the dorm such as picnics, dances, etc.</p>
<p>But in the end its up to you. Some people don’t view college as anything special, just a way to punch their ticket on the way to somewhere else. They’re happy with minimal involvement, just focused on getting that piece of paper.</p>
<p>get some roommates to live with you in your condo</p>
<p>I say go for the condo. Dorm experience is overrated, unless you’re from out of the country.</p>
<p>you should really live in a dorm freshmen year, seriously</p>
<p>So are you going to be eating meals on campus…if you forgo the living on campus experience then you need to make an effort engage in some other ways. Lots of kids who live off campus don’t cook much or avoid the campus/close off campus eats. How does that play into your working 25 hours? Shopping & cooking and cleaning take up time.</p>
<p>Here’s a thought from an “old head” (graduated from undergrad 22 years ago!): I lived in the dorms <em>all 4 years</em> and wouldn’t have traded it for the world, especially as a freshman. My own D is currently a freshman and very much enjoys her dorm experience. A good friend of hers decided to forego the dorms and really regrets it. The top reason on his list is the fact that he is not in the thick of campus activities/life. He plans to move into the dorms next year.</p>
<p>While I don’t disagree with your premise I do believe that the school and the town/city make a huge difference as to how successful this off campus living is. Many urban campuses it will make little or no difference. Many condo/apt. developments are 100% students so how does living outside the community fit w/ that?? Group living is group living and the only difference btwn. on campus and off: the rules, the maintenance and perhaps the financial wherewithall of the residents.</p>
<p>i moved out of the dorms and am glad i did…i will never go back to it and couldn’t be happier in my own apartment. if i was in your shows, i’d pick the condo, especially if iw as thinking about remaining in the area after graduation.</p>
<p>I love having an apartment to myself. I spend 8 hours a day on campus between classes & my research lab… when I get back I’m tired… I don’t want to deal with annoying people who what to have a slip-n-slide in the hall at 2am (which actually happened in my dorm… the floor above me the night before my chem final… I kept hearing <em>thud</em><em>thud</em>thud* <em>BOOM</em> followed by cheering)</p>
<p>I live in an apartment by myself, and could never live in a dorm paired up with dimwits who do slip 'n slide, or cause other drama. Not that living in a dorm with people you don’t really like isn’t a good learning experience, but I’d rather not deal with the guy who wipes bugars on the wall, the snorer, or the drug addict who has no concern for others.</p>
<p>You know what here’s another thing to keep in mind you can always get a condo but you can never get a dorm nor that college experience that it has to offer</p>
<p>You can still get a “college experience” by living in your own apartment/condo… it’s a college experience unbound by dorm rules/curfews.</p>