the Informer

It might seem weird to hear that some students prefer to live off-campus than on, but Hadassa Wade is one of those that makes commuting cool.

Many people enjoy the living on campus because it is a great way to meet new people, get involved in activities, and most importantly you can do whatever you want because you are away from your parents. There is so much to gain when going away to college and living on campus. However, there are some people who think otherwise.

Some say it is more convenient and a lot of more fun than living on campus. There are fewer rules, no quiet hours, and just a lot more freedom.

Wade said that although the on-campus experience is thrilling, she prefers to live in a place where she can just get away from it all.

Wade is a 20 year old Visual Communication Design and Public Relation major from Boston, Massachusetts who decided to live off campus this year with a few of her friends to get away from the on-campus life for a change.

“Living on campus was drama-filled but convenient at times,” Wade said describing her three years living on campus.

Although living on-campus is fun because there is always some type of activity that goes on, she said that she prefers living off campus because it is a more “relaxed environment”.”

Wade  resides at the Temple Street Townhouses which is located in downtown Hartford.

Her and many other students that attend the University are starting to move into these townhouses.

Wade said “a few things I do not miss about living on campus is not being able to have as many people I want in my room, not being able to blast music, and the annoying RA’s always knocking on your door.”

Wade said that one of the negatives of living off campus is the timing, “sometimes I am late for class driving back to forth to campus. It was more convenient living on campus and just walking to class because I wouldn’t be late.”

Like other commuters, Wade feels more of independence while living on campus.

When asked what is the difference between living on and off campus, she answers “when you’re on campus, you’re closer to friends and have easier access to places such as Konover, but when living off campus its closer to downtown and had easier access to highways and other off campus activities.”

Although Wade said she does miss the on campus life sometimes, she does prefer just living in her apartment on Temple Street with a few of her friends and getting away.

The off- campus life does not stop her involvement in campus activities either. She is the President of the University’s step team, secretary of the Caribbean American Student Association (CASA) and a member of the Strong Independent Sisters (SIS) so she is on campus often.

For some, the on campus life is preferred because you are in the center of everything that goes on campus and it’s more convenient to get to your friends.

For others, they do not always want to be on campus or maybe it is just too expensive.

A study done by Indiana University that the majority of college students prefer commuting, however some get distracted and may not be involved as students that do live on campus.

People like Wade beg to differ and suggests that people should experience it to just to see why her and her other peers enjoy it so much.