Responsibilities living off campus

Many upperclassmen take advantage of their ability to live off campus.

Ottawa University only lets students 21 or older move off campus, as well as students who hold senior status based on credits.

Senior Taylor Heffern said she loves the ability to cook her own food.

“The best part of living off campus is not having to eat the cafeteria food,” Heffern said.

Senior Adam Henn said he loves the freedom that comes with living away from the dorms.

“The ability to make my own rules is my favorite part,” Henn said.

“I enjoy being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want,” said senior Jared Wilson.

All of these students feel the school should lower the age requirement for students to live off campus.

“I definitely think the age should be lowered. It is like high school living on campus. People mature much slower being required to stay in the dorms,” Heffern said.

Wilson also agrees. “I think the age should be lowered because room and board is very expensive here, and I feel that students will be able to pay for their housing much easier being able to live off campus,” Wilson said.

Henn believes he has a good alternative for the age requirement.

“I believe you should live in the dorm for at least one year. This allows for students to meet new people and get involved with campus activities,” Henn said.

With all the responsibilities of living away from the dorms, this also allows for the students to learn valuable life skills.

“Living off campus has taught me responsibility, time management, and how to do dishes, lots and lots of dishes,” Henn said. “Living off campus has taught me responsibility with paying rent and bills on time, an aspect that I didn’t have to worry about living in the dorms.”

Heffern added, “Living off of campus has prepared me for life after college, which is a very important thing to me.”