The benefit of going to college isn't just the education. It’s also the experience -- the experience of living together with bright young minds with an endless supply of intelligence and idealism, the experience of going to Prime Times, learning to live with a roommate and the experience of being a member of an exclusive community.
These are things that people living off campus miss. I am a senior and am proud to say that I have lived on campus for all four years of my Whitworth life. I am also proud to say that I would not trade it for the world.
I lived in Arend as a freshman and have lived in the Village since then. I bunked in Tiki as a sophomore and have called Keola my home for my junior and senior years. But enough about me.
Living on campus offers students a good way to fully engage in the college experience without the potential hassles and costs of living off campus. Living in a house, for example, provides numerous possible problems that do not present themselves to on-campus folk.
What if the plumbing fails? You have to call a plumber and get it fixed. What if there is a problem with the electrical system? Someone better have the nearest electrician on speed dial.
Such problems do happen in dorm buildings, but any fees needed to repair or fix such problems are already covered in room and board costs. No additional payments are necessary, unless any serious damage happens that you’re forced to pay, but in such case the accident was probably preventable.
And then there are food costs. Saga may not be the greatest place to find chow, but it's quick, convenient and unlimited, depending on your meal plan. Those who have to purchase their own food have to think about their meals in advance, which could take valuable time away from homework, classwork or just hanging out with friends. And what better way to hang out with buddies than during meals in large groups at Saga? Living off campus does not provide that opportunity quite as often.
One major disadvantage to living on campus is having to follow rules like quiet hours and the Big Three. But as someone who has lived on campus for four years, it’s not too bad. I don’t feel like a child being told what to do by authorities. If I’m responsible and think about my actions, no harm should come to me. People have to live by rules in the outside world as well.
Of course, there is debate about whether it is cheaper to live off campus than on. That might really depend on who you are and what luck (or lack thereof) you have. What if you live in a house where none of the utilities work and the roof is caving in? Such a case might be an extreme, but it's worth pondering.
But the most significant advantage to living on campus really comes down to the community. It's amazing how people can start off the year as complete strangers and by the end of the semester become best friends. It has happened to me. People I didn't know at the beginning of my freshman year are now some of my closest friends. A lot can happen when you’re forced to live in close quarters with hundreds of people.
I will acknowledge that living on campus is not for everyone and that there are those who are better suited to living away from the Whitworth community. However, I have no regrets about living in Arend and the Village for four years and would not want to live off campus even if the opportunity arrived. I have had too much fun being with such a diverse group of personalities.
And as I look around campus and see all of the people wearing dorm sweatshirts, I have the feeling I'm not alone.
Takechi is an opinions columnist and a senior majoring in journalism. Comments can be sent to tim.takechi@whitworthian.com.
The Whitworthian > Special Features > Cost of College
OPINION: Benefits of living on campus
Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 23:03
 "Photo: Aileen Benson/Whitworthian")
Aileen Benson/Whitworthian
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