In Residential Life we field a lot of questions about the relative merits of life on campus versus off campus and hear a lot of different reasons for choosing one over the other. When it comes right down to it, this is a very important and personal question.
As parents, you can help by making sure your son or daughter is asking the right questions. The first step is to identify how important are the different issues. For example:
Is cost the driving issue? (Then you have to make sure you are identifying all aspects of cost - see chart below.)
How important is safety and what does this look like for you as a parent? What does this look like for your son or daughter?
One great reason we hear for living off campus is increased independence, but this experience also has a pretty broad range. When it comes to negotiating all the potential responsibilities you as a parent need to consider how much support you are willing and able to provide and where your student will be truly able to develop independence. This is not a question with a one size fits all answer. Examine what you value and discuss the issues. And let us know how we can help with either decision.
Choosing where to
live is a big decision that should not be made lightly. When a student comes to the Residential Life inquiring about moving from on to off campus housing the following comparison sheet is used to help in the discussion. Feel free to share this chart with your student. CHART: On campus v. off campus living comparison
Pacific Lutheran University is committed to the
concept of a residential community that ensures students engage in both
living and learning environments. Ten residence halls offer students a
variety of living options that complement their in-class experience and
encourage their personal growth. New students request the hall of their
choice when making their admission deposit. Space is then allocated on
a first-come, first-served basis.
