Three years living on campus. Among University of Delaware students, that seems like a rarity, but that’s just what I did. I was content with my living situations, because they each offered something unique. Obviously, living in Russell as a freshman was exciting in and of itself because of the newfound independence, but it also afforded me friendships with a diverse group of intelligent kids. Living in Sharp on North Green was very convenient in terms of getting to classes, and the more subdued environment made for better study habits. My favorite dorm assignment was last year (sadly, Russell’s final year of hosting Honors freshmen) as a Russell Fellow; it was pretty much the best of both worlds, living among and helping 30-something crazy, energetic, at-times anxious freshmen while having a single room to myself!
But this year, I’m finally living off campus, in an adorable townhouse close to campus. I feel like three years in the dorms means I’ve especially earned the right to enjoy all the luxuries of off-campus life.
For those who want this to be their last in the dorms, I know acquiring the perfect apartment or house can be stressful. I was worried about getting a great place I’d love, but it really worked out because my roommates both responsible and fun. Here are some tips and things to think about while you consider living as a “grownup.”
1. I can’t emphasize this enough – get going on the apartment or house search right now, because good residences in Newark go fast. While I knew which complex I’d be living in senior year by October of my junior year (because we started looking in the first or second week of October), some friends of mine didn’t have that settled into December. You don’t want that stress!
2. Are you willing to buy/beg family and friends (no shame in that) for furniture? A few, but not many, rental properties in Newark come furnished, but even then, you may desire additional furniture to make the place cozier. Not only can this quickly get expensive, it’s more you have to move in, build, and move out.
3. Will you really make it to that 9:05 class when you live 25 minutes away? If you’re living in the Towers (aka off in Narnia) this year, you may be able to test that. Personally, I value location over amenities, convenience over granite countertops.
4. Is it worth it to live with your friend who is super fun, who may be awful at cleaning up his kitchen mess, giving you his portion of the rent on time, etc.? The added independence does mean you don’t have to worry about an RA writing you up for violating quiet hours, but it also comes with responsibilities – rent bill, cable/internet bill, grocery shopping, etc. Some people, including myself, see this as a good way to ease themselves into an independent post-grad lifestyle.
5. Are you looking forward to designing a living room as cute as ours? (Sorry, had to get a little not-so-humble brag in there).
The author’s pretty darn cute living room.
~Ruby Harrington
