When you move off campus, a lot of things change.

No…like…a lot changes.

1. Friends

When you move off campus, you lose contact with a lot of people. None of it is really intentional, it just kind of happens. You don’t see your friends “down the hall,” anymore, and a quick walk across campus has turned into a drive in the car. The people you felt like could become some really great,(potentially life long) friends now are now a rarity in your text or call logs. It is all just different. Your friends change a lot when you move off campus. People like things that are convenient.  Easy to access. I know this sounds like a bunch of sad stuff, but in all reality…it’s a huge opportunity to find those real life long friends! The ones who put in the extra effort!

2. Food

Oh my word. The food becomes so much better, for obvious reasons. There is nothing good about dorm food. Being able to make your own food EXACTLY how you like it is so great! Sure, it’s a little more costly, but you need to understand just how worth it it is. No more monetary cap to depict what you do or do not eat for dinner! Eat up!

 

3. On campus events

Obviously, as a student, you are more than welcome to events hosted by the school! But, I will not lie when I say it’s a little extra weird going to these events as an off campus student. When I lived on campus, it was so easy just to waltz into whatever was going on. Now.. I have to find parking, park, walk (most of the time by myself) to said event, and try my best to blend in. I’m not too sure that what I’m saying makes sense, but just go with it. Long story made super short: on campus events feel weird at first as a commuter student.

4. Home

Wherever home may be for you, it will sound a heck of a lot more appealing once you move off campus. (At least it did for me.) You’re away from the on campus craziness, and sometimes things get too quiet. I strongly encourage those of you who live off campus to get involved with as much as you can, to quiet…the quiet. But, it is my sincere hope that your quiet never becomes too quiet, and that you enjoy the craziness!

Change is good.

This is a scary, good change. Despite the difference in friends, the different smells of the food, the awkward campus events, and the desire to go home…living off campus was the best decision I have ever made.