Cost of dorm living too much for students to bear?

The rising cost of housing prices has forced many students to discontinue their exciting dorm life and opt for more cheaper and localized options of hiring apartments and houses with their co-dormers. This is begging everyone to ask the question, why so expensive?                                


Many dorm residents are deciding to move out next semester, opting to rent apartments and shared houses due to the high cost of dorming. The costs vary according to which meal plan selected although as a general for the 19-meal week plan which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on weekends and housing for one semester the price is $3, 893.75. This appears a price too high for many students, "I think it's too expensive to maintain for a long time, although it's a great experience it's more cost effective to share an apartment or house with someone. This is disappointing cause it's so nice here," said Laura Jensen, Building A resident. 


Many residents who are not paying themselves and are rather depending on their parents to make their payments are feeling the pressure as are students who are paying self-payments and balancing work and school. "I definitely think it's hard to live comfortably knowing it costs so much, " said Melody Rudd, a Building A resident. "I see a lot of students focusing on working as much as possible so they can afford to live in the dorms and in turn they lose part of their college experience to focus on payments."


On the other hand students who are opting to move off campus are losing benefits like prepared meals and cleaned bathrooms, certain luxuries which the cost of living on campus entail. "It's definitely a lot of money but you're paying for convenience and when you compare the dining hall foods to other campuses it's much better in terms of quality and options," said Andrew McGarity Building C resident. 


Overall, it's always going to be more convenient and more enjoyable to live amongst friends and on campus however in reality the situation in terms of finances can be a different story. Notably, all three residents said they will be moving out next semester mainly for costs reasons.