In Residential Life we field a lot of questions about the relative merits of life on-campus versus off-campus. We also hear a lot of different reasons for choosing one over the other. When it comes right down to it, this is a very important question that only your student can answer. But you can help!
As parents or guardians, you can help by making sure your student is asking the right questions. The first step is to identify the level of importance in each issue. For example:
· Is cost the driving issue? (Then you have to make sure you are identifying all aspects of cost -
see chart.)
· How important is safety and what does this look like for you as a parent? What does this look like for your student?
Increased independence is one of the great reasons students choose to live off-campus. When it comes to negotiating all the potential responsibilities, you as a parent / guardian need to consider how much support you are willing and able to provide. It helps to ask the question “where will your student truly be able to develop independence?” This is not a question with a one-size fits all answer. Examine what you value and discuss the issues. Please let us know how we can help you with either decision!
Before your student finalizes the decision to live on-campus or off-campus, remember that PLU has a University Residency Requirement, which reads:
PLU requires that all full-time students live in University housing unless you meet one of the following criteria: · Live at home with a parent, legal guardian, spouse, or child. · 20 years of age or older on or before September 1st to be exempt for the academic year, or on or before February 1st to be exempt for spring semester. · Have achieved junior status (completed 60 semester hours) prior to the beginning of fall semester to be exempt for the academic year, or prior to spring semester to be exempt for the spring semester.
