living off campus
I guess I should fill you in on some of the challenges that come with living off campus.
1. The walking to class when its cold part
I live about a 15-20 min walk from campus. The walk is really not that bad if well its not -31 out like it has been the past few days. It really takes the breath out of you to have to walk all the way when is it in the neg. But the closer you get to campus the more you are going to pay in rent.
2. Heating the house
So I live in a bigger house. It is also a older house. It takes a lot to heat it. Also we have a big sliding glass door and three large windows and the front door all in our main living room so it leaks in cold air all the time which keeps our heat on all the time trying to keep our house at 61 (which is what we keep it out to try to keep the bill low) but the past few days the heat has been on non-stop because it has been so cold. I had to go out yesterday and buy stuff to put over the windows to try to stop the cold wind from coming in. Our house yesterday was at 48 degrees because our windows leak so bad. But the plastic we got for the windows really works great.
3. Food
So living off campus we don't have a meal plan, we just go and buy whatever food we want. This works out great sometimes because you don't have the same old things to pick from every day, or you don't have to worry about running around and trying to spend your meal points before a certain time. But it kinda sucks because I spend money on food at home and then I am on campus all day and buy food again because I get hungry during the day. I know I could pack a lunch but I am not a great cook and eating BP&J everyday will get a little old when you see all the great food the Atrium has. I wish i was not as lazy and really prepared food to bring with me to save some money. But really Atrium food is real cheap. I get soup and fries and water for under five bucks.
4. Bills
Paying bills sucks. I hate when that time of the month comes when all our bills come rolling in. But I guess you take the good with the bad. Some of my roommates while I have been away have had some hard times getting bills paid on time. This really annoys me, I hate when bills are paid late. Just a little FYI pay the bills on time it saves on late fees.
5. Freedom
I love not living on campus. I think dorm life is great for a freshmen year, but after that no way Jose. I don't like all the rules that come along with living on campus. Also I like to have friends over of when my family comes to visit let them stay with me instead of getting a hotel. Having your own house or apartment is so great because you can paint the walls, put up whatever you want and be able to have more than one person fit in your room and have it be comfortable.
6. Pets
Living off campus is also great because some places let you have pets. I have a dog that I can not live without. I love her and she is like my child. It takes a little looking for but there are places out there that let you have pets. Most the time you have to have a deposit for them but it is worth it. Living on campus gives you a sense of security, but it can be scary to live with just a few roommates. Having my dog makes me feel much safer in my home. Not that Muncie is a bad area but I think it is just better to be safe than sorry. Beside it's nice to come home from a long day of class to a pet the loves you and is happy you are home.
7. Backyard
It's really great to have a backyard and when it's nice out having people over for a BBQ.
8. Parties
It's much better to have parties in a big house than in a tiny dorm room. :)
Ok thats all for today.
Hope all is well
Cheers
Quote of the day:
All things splendid have been achieved by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance. -Bruce Barton