From Olathe to Lawrence, the majority of off-campus students live right here in the heart of Ottawa. According to a student directory, there are approximately 336 students living on campus, and 195 students living off campus.
In order to be eligible for off-campus housing full-time students must apply for one of the following traits: married, dependent children as defined by Federal regulations, 21 years of age by a certain time, classified as a senior (92+ credit hours), plan to live with parents within one-hour drive from the school or have special circumstances.
Director of Student Life Lisa Thomsen encourages students to experience the on-campus living.
“I think it’s a good idea for students to live on campus until they are 21, to get the experience of being involved in campus life,” Thomsen said. “Students learn so much from living in residence halls, and are able to meet more people.”
Senior Mallory Mueller agrees that living on campus helps create a stronger social aspect of relationships through seeing people everyday. However, she seems to really enjoy Kensington Square Apartments and off campus life.
“Some benefits are cooking my own food, I have my own space to study, and more freedom to do what I want,” Mueller said.
Mueller lived in Bennett Hall her freshman year, and decided it was time for a change.
“When I lived in the Bennett the meal plans were expensive, and I rarely ate in the cafeteria, which opens at certain times, so I was losing money,” Mueller said. “Now I’m saving money off campus because I can eat whatever I want at anytime.”
Senior Seabrook Grabes lives in a house in Ottawa.
“Yes, I am saving money because I’m spending wisely, and I have a budget,” Grabes said.
Grabes feels that staying on campus is not that bad, but thinks it seems better to live off.
“I get to do what I want, and it helps me make better financial moves of my own,” Grabes said. “You can’t have a beer in the dorm even if you are 21, living off means you don’t have to sign people in, it’s more freedom.”
Even though Grabes feels the freedom of living off campus, he still finds there are drawbacks.
“It’s more convenient to stay on campus because you can walk to class, I have to drive,” said Grabes. “It’ll be nice to go to the café and get prepared to serve meals, also I am unaware of most events on campus because I’m at home.”
While some students may be saving money, there are still some who might not be.
“No, I’m not saving money because I don’t make enough to save, I live pay check to pay check,” Erika Weaver, junior, said.
This happens to be the drawback faced by Weaver as a full-time student.
“It’s difficult to make the balance between being a student and working a part-time job,” Weaver said.
Even with this drawback, Weaver still feels there’s some good for living off-campus. “It’s good to get away from campus life, simply because it’s an experience to learn how to manage the responsibilities of being an adult,” Weaver said.