For most students, the idea of living off campus is a big deal. Dorm life can also feel a bit restricting to some students. Those students will take the next step and rent a house or apartment.

“You learn to be independent and responsible,” Alex Saldivar, a junior Spanish with teacher’s certification major, said.

This step will resemble living on their own after college; they pay bills and take care of themselves.

But is off-campus life the best option?

“It can be cheaper,” Drew Moran, a junior philosophy major, said.

To live in a residence hall, a student must pay $3,808 each semester. This cost includes the living space, water, electricity, gas and other benefits.

There are other reasons why students like living off campus as well.

“I have more space to myself,” Moran said. “I didn’t like sharing a bathroom with so many people.”

Houses do increase space for students by a large amount, transferring from the small, limited dorm room to a larger, more spacious house.

“There’s more freedom. There’s no floor meetings, guest regulations, quiet hours, or RA’s telling you to keep it down,” Saldivar said.

Residence hall life can still be beneficial to anyone, and many recommend staying in a residence hall at least one year of their college life.

“I met a lot of my close friends in the dorm,” Moran said.

Andy Masters, a senior philosophy major, also had some thoughts concerning dorm life.

“I enjoyed wrestling in the lounges,” he said. “But I hated the smell of vomit on Sunday mornings.”

Jacob Swanson can be reached at 581-7942 or jjswanson2@eiu.edu.

FACTBOX:

University Residence Hall housing costs $7,616 per year; University Court Apartments range from $4,922 to $5,486 per year each for two students.

University Village charges $500 per month on a 12-month lease for a two-bedroom house totaling up to $6000 per student.

Campus Pointe apartments charges $489 per month on a 10- or 12-month lease for a two-bedroom apartment, totaling up to $4890 or $5868 per student.

Eastern Illinois Properties charges $325 to $400 per month per person on a 12-month lease for a two-bedroom house, totaling up to $3900 to $4800 per student.

JB Rentals charges about $275 per month per person on a 12-month lease for a two-bedroom house, totaling up to $3300 per student.

These charges do not necessarily include all amenities.