To Dorm or Not to Dorm?

By Gilmarie Brioso on July 3, 2012

To dorm or not to dorm? That is the true question on the mind of every college student, especially on those select students who school in New York City. For those who brave the toil of academic careers within the bustling streets of Manhattan, that one question is much more daunting. We are both tempted by the independence and glamour that living in New York City can bring; yet we tremble at the realities of the New Yorker life. New York City is expensive, and the continuing rise of monthly rent costs does not help.

In order to make things a little easier, I have outlined a few pros and cons to both dorming and renting. This list is by no means exclusive, so feel free to add to the pros or cons in the comments below.

Dorm or rent? You be the judge.

The Dorm Life

NYC Apartment Living

ProNo monthly paymentsCollege dorms usually ask for one payment at the beginning of the academic term, which means one thing less to worry about throughout the school year.ConLimited choices

You will have less control over the look of your living arrangement. Often times, college dorms are limited in style types and generally look the same.

 

ProDorms are cheaper

NYC colleges that offer housing generally accommodate their students by charging considerably less than the average apartment in New York City.

 

ConRules and regulations

Dorms often have many rules students must follow: limits to the number of guests allowed, no alcohol, no pets, meetings with RAs, etc. Remember, violation of these rules may result in dire penalties, even expulsion.

 

ProProximity to campus

When dorming, students are generally near classes and school buildings, making it easier to get to class, important events or school appointments. Furthermore, you might be closer to services offered by your school such as free printing, computer labs and resource centers.

 

ConLimited privacy

If not from your roommates, then from your RA. If not from your RA, then from the other students and classmates that reside in the building. You can be doing your laundry in Peter Pan pajamas only to run into the hot guy from your Economics lecture.

ConRent is due every monthYou have to continually budget for an apartment in NYC. Remember, you must also pay utilities such as gas, electricity, etc.ProFlexibility

You can choose the style of apartment that you want, one that best fits you and your needs.

 

 

ConApartments are expensive

There is no way of sugar coating it. Living in NYC is extremely expensive.

 

 

ProFreedom and independence

In your own apartment you can do what you want: throw wild parties, own a pet miniature pig, paint the walls green.

 

 

ConFarther from campus

If lucky, you will only live a block away from your campus. Some students, however, rent apartments in one of the outer boroughs, which can be twenty, forty or even sixty minutes away from campus.

 

 

ProUltimate privacy

You are free to do your homework in your underwear or sing out loud in an obnoxious manner. And if you have roommates, at least you don’t have an RA knocking on your door every day to see if you are breaking a rule.

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