As a current freshman, I am familiar with the process involved in applying for University housing.
Like many, I had anticipated living with my friend on ASU’s Tempe campus. We each went through the process of requesting each other when applying and anticipated the legitimized approval.
Like many, our plans were denied.
“The assignment process takes into account several variables,” said Diana Bejarano, director of marketing communications for University Student Initiatives. “We attempt to match your preferences; however, hall and roommate preferences are not guaranteed.”
Not only are freshmen expected to live on campus, but they are generally placed in a dormitory on the campus of their major.
“In fall of 2009, 20 percent of students lived on campus. That includes freshmen and upper-division students,” Bejarano said.
The friend I had planned to live with is an art major, so by default she was assigned to the Tempe campus.
I, however, was relegated to the Downtown campus and to a cozy four-wall accommodation with a stranger.
“University Housing recognizes that belonging to a smaller community within the larger University greatly contributes to easing a student’s transition into the University environment,” Bejarano said.
Socially as well as physically, residential housing is incomparable. Each dorm has its distinctive personality.
University housing has its perks. One could argue students who live on campus “get more out of college” with more access to University facilities.
However, with ASU being so widespread, students could feel neglected from experiencing the much-sought social aspects involved with dorm living.
Journalism freshman Alexa Chrisbacher lives in the Taylor Place dorms in on the Downtown campus.
“I enjoy dorm life,” she said. “Taylor Place is a new building with nice appliances. It’s clean, and I feel safe on campus because of all the security present. It’s also beneficial that I am so close to my classes.”
However, there is a disadvantage to living on the Downtown campus.
“Students on the Downtown campus are isolated from Tempe’s main campus. When it comes to main events, it’s difficult for students to feel included. Regarding social activities for students on the Downtown campus, there are only so many times someone can attend First Friday,” said Chrisbacher. “There aren’t many accessible events for us to go to.”
Many students would agree that the Downtown campus lacks the social aspects students anticipate in college.
“There are limited majors present on the Downtown campus, therefore it lacks diversity amongst students,” explained Chrisbacher.
But according to University officials, residential colleges improve academics.
“We strongly encourage our students to live within their residential college because students that live together, study together, and interact with faculty members have greater academic success,” said Bejarano.
Electrical engineering freshman Steve Nappa agreed that, although there are some problems with residential life, living within majors is helpful.
“There are some good aspects and some bad ones; overall it’s fun. It’s a great way to network with people in your major and find people to do schoolwork with,” said Nappa, who lives on the Tempe campus in Palo Verde Main.
There are some variables assessed when it comes to student satisfaction with residential living. Despite limitations to social activities, the lifestyle of dorms provides a noteworthy experience for students.
Overall, studies demonstrate dorm living is beneficial for college students to experience. Although this may pose as true, are all students prospering from the same experience?
As a student to the downtown Phoenix campus, my dorm provides a comfortable room, accessible food and convenience to classes. However, I am counting down the days until I can move closer to the Tempe campus to experience more of social aspects college offers.
Reach Morgan at mptanabe@asu.edu