By Melissa Gilbert |Staff Writer|
Although CSUSB is known as a commuter school, approximately 1,500 students choose to live in the dorms because they want a full college experience.
Savannah Barras describes her experience in the dorms at Serrano Village as great.
“The biggest thing I love about living here is the atmosphere. I never thought living on campus would bring so many opportunities my way,” said Barras.
She also explained that campus life is more convenient, since she doesn’t have to drive to school everyday.
“Not having to drive to campus is amazing! You just wake up and walk to class. You definitely do not need a car living here since everything is so close by,” said Barras.
Shoichi Iijima, an Arrowhead Village resident, believes that living on campus does make his college experience better.
“I like living in the dorms because it is easier to socialize with people. It was easier for me to make friends and participate in activities,” said Iijima.
Dorm life stimulates connections between students. Many activities are planned to help people connect with one another, especially in Living Learning Communities (LLC).
Claudine Girard, an international student who lives in University Village, appreciates the amenities offered on campus.
“I like to be close to my class. Also, I love having access to the gym and the pool,” said Girard.
Another point that was raised by both Iijima and Girard is security. They both feel safer on campus than if they had to live elsewhere in town.
However, living on campus is not perfect. Barras points out that the worst part of dorm life in Serrano Village is the food.
“As a Serrano Village resident, it is mandatory to buy the meal plan. [… ]if I had to choose a downfall of living here it would have to be the food. It’s not that it is bad, the food just gets old real fast,” said Barras.
For Iijima, the dry campus policy is irrelevant and ridiculous.
Girard agrees with him on the topic of the alcohol policy. She goes further and says that with restrictions like not being able to have candles in the rooms, she feels like a fifteen year old at a strict boarding school.
Another downfall to living on campus in the dorms are the housing fees.
“I don’t think anyone likes the fees, but they are there for a reason. The fees are kind of expensive but it does cover rent, utilities, everything the campus supplies you,” said Barras.
Iijima and Girard share Barras’ opinion that the fees are expensive, but they feel like the apartments are not worth their money.
“If I had to do it again, I would live off campus to save money and have no restrictions,” said Girard.
There are negative and positive aspects to living in dorms. Yet, it does not change the fact that they all appreciate dorm life as a part of their college experience and gives them a way to connect with others and make friends.
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