WP#3: Transcript Draft

The Freshman Year Experience, living on campus or living at home?

*School bell ringing*

College is the stepping stone from High School to the real world. College is intended not only to teach us knowledge, but also to prepare us for the next part of life. That being said, incoming freshmen always have to make the decision of moving out on campus or living off campus when attending ASU. Everyone has their own opinion about this controversy, whether it is influenced by experience or not. There are several pros and cons to living in the school dorms, and one of the most popular intrigues is the independence.

M.B: "It's no secret that what us kids fresh out of high school want is independence. I know that's the first thing I thought about once I graduated."

Students who evidently do end up living on campus argue that those who do not are not being fully prepared for the real world that awaits post college graduation at Arizona State.

V.W: "I feel like the kids that live at home and commute to school every day are the same students that miss out on the entire college culture. Living on campus your first year, at the least, is the whole purpose of the 'the freshman year experience'."

The freshman experience is traditionally described as living on campus and getting used to new customs from eating to socializing. The social scene seems to be influenced a lot by living in the residence halls and getting to know your roommate, suite-mates  floor mates, etc. Attending school events such as the ones during homecoming, sporting events and other activities are also seen as more convenient when living nearby.

Of course, the factor of financial status can be a disadvantage to some pupils. Not everyone can afford the room and board expenses and come up short in scholarships and coverage. The cost of living on campus can be up to thirty-five percent more than living off campus. Living on campus is one set price per semester. The cost of living on campus is added to the already expensive tuition. This can be a road block to many incoming students. Some kids will even find it easier to invest in a car to get to class every day rather than pay to live in the dorms. Other students find the difference in the costs of residential halls and simply renting an apartment close to campus.

J.A: “Me, I rent an apartment really close to campus and split the bills with my roommate. It's almost like living on campus because I’m close to my classes, but not really. I have to buy my own food, there’s no pre-paid meal plan or anything. I have to pay the monthly rent so I work part time because my scholarships aren’t going to cover off campus living, right? It’s a lot different. Some kids think it’s just cheaper than living in the dorms but there’s more to it. Living on campus might be a little more expensive but I realized in the long run, paying everything up front would’ve been easier.”

Living in the residential halls seems to be supported, but there are cons that some students bring forth after some personal experience.

M.B: “A few downsides to living in the dorms exist actually. There are regulations to follow, like in any building at ASU. Quiet hours, rules regarding safety and courtesy. I understand all that I just don’t get why I can’t toss a sponge ball down the hall sometimes without getting yelled at. That’s annoying.”
V.W: "Independence can definitely become your worst enemy, if you abuse it. If you're too busy socializing and going out with your new friends you'll start to slack academically and no one will be there to tell you to do your homework and go to bed. Trust me."

*Transition sound for conclusion*

As you can see, there are many aspects to making the final decision. Students should make the decision based on what is best for them without being too influenced by the preferences of their peers. However, if the expenses can be covered, why not see what the first year experience is all about?