Off-campus RLC vs. On-campus Residential Dorms

It has been an age old debate, is it better to live on or off campus? It's the question on everyone's mind on campus, and if you ask anyone at the dormitories they'll have an opinion on it. It looks like the general consensus is that there are pros and cons for both choices with some residents citing some interesting reasons why.

California State University Long Beach offers various housing options.
The two main distinctions between what is offered concerns an on-campus and off-campus housing option. The dormitories located on campus at the top of Beach Drive include the International House, Residence Commons, Parkside Commons and Los Cerritos and Los Alamitos Halls whereas off-campus the main option is the Residential Learning College. There are various reasons for choosing either option.


CSULB housing website listing the 

 various options and descriptions of domority options. Photo
courtesy of CSULB. edu, photographer unknown. 

Andreas Christou resident at RLC Beach Hall, highlights the big dorm rooms at RLC as the best thing about the dorms in comparison with the on-campus dorms. Furthermore he highlights that most students prefer the dining hall food at RLC, which provides a more "restaurant-style" menu and seating style. However he cites the downfalls as reflected in the high price and dining hall hours. "They need an all-day microwave system and 18 operational hours for the dining halls because many cannot make it in the allocated time slot," said Christou. Andrew Mussett, resident at RLC Pacific Hall, further states that the fact local convenience stores and food outlets are within walking distance make it more convenient. However he complains that the shuttle bus needs to pick up it's game in relation to timing because it is an on-going problem. "The shuttle is the biggest load of bollocks. I have early classes Tuesday and Thursday, plenty of times myself and others have been late during mid-terms cause of it, and they should fix it considering the high tuition we pay," said Mussett.

By contrast Charles Allard resident at the International House prefers on-campus housing for the convenience, as do many students. Overall he cites on-campus dorms as being of good standards, kept tidy and clean regularly. "The common spaces are clean. I wouldn't want to live at RLC it's too far and I am late sleeper so I like how I can just come to the dining hall at 9.30 a.m. and get to class by 10 a.m." said Allard. Aman Uma resident at Parkside Building L since 2008, says the positives off living on campus are cheaper prices and meeting great people to "hang out with, and meet everyday" although he rates Parkside lower compared to RLC with a score of only 7/10.

Overall however all students stated that the high cost of dorm living turns off most students and that ideally most students prefer to find private accommodation once they have set up there social circles which dorms are great for and have familiarized themselves with the campus. One thing that struck me was a comment stated by RLC resident, Andreas Christou who stated that "living on campus and eating at a prepared dining hall is a disadvantage in the sense of learning how to cook for ones self." Despite dining hall food being convenient it does take away that added sense of independence but overall it is a fun experience. At the end of the day it's about whether you prefer convenience and sleeping in late or a nice dining hall experience, the choice is yours!