By Loydie Burmah |Staff Writer|
It is difficult as students to afford a comfortable living, but given the options of staying at home, on-campus housing, or living in a nearby residential area, I would say that living at home would be the most affordable option, for those granted that opportunity.
I currently live at home with my family, and have been for the duration of my college education. It is argued that living on campus provides a better college experience but when considering on-campus rental costs, I wonder if it is truly worth paying the price.
Kapono Santiago, who resides in Moreno Valley, believes that living at home is a better option for him, even considering the rough commute on the 215 freeway.
“You have your family and you get to run things however you want,” added Santiago, who is opposed to dealing with the unpredictability of roommates and on-campus housing regulation constraints.
On the CSUSB Office of Housing and Residential Life webpage, housing.csusb.edu, a document listing housing rates for on-campus rental fees can be found.
Prices range from $2,500 to $3,000 depending on your preference of room and choice of village (Serrano, Arrowhead, or University Village).
Since meal plans are only required for Serrano Village residents, paying a fee of $760 per quarter is mandatory in order to cover the cost of the meal plan.
Student Gabrielle Cooke resides in a condo with roommates in Highland. Cooke mentioned her deciding factors for not living at home or on-campus were affordability and proximity to her work and school. “I enjoy the people I live with, the neighborhood, the location, and freedom,” added Cooke.
She said the only downfalls to where she stays are that it is “a little pricey” and that certain neighbors aren’t always cooperative or amicable.
As for me, I live in Rancho Cucamonga with my family. Living at home does have its expenditures. For instance, I pay for my fuel, food, laundry, and other miscellaneous expenses.
I may not have to pay renting fees, but I make sure to contribute what I can and my expenditures are still cheaper than living on campus. Although space is limited and, at times, my family can be annoying, I would not want to live anywhere else just yet.
I may not have everything within my proximity, but I have enough to be comfortable and content.
This includes my place of work, my sources of entertainment, and even my friends. Residing at home allows me the opportunities to prepare for living life on my own after college.
Even with these alternative options I still would prefer living at home.
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