•Question and Answer
with an off-campus
resident•
Q: What do you like about
living here?
A: I can have people over
whenever I want, have
parties, and listen to music
late.
Q: How does it measure up,
money-wise?
A: It's actually $3OO cheaper
than living on-campus before
we pay utilities.
Q: Are there a lot of kids your
age living here?
A: There are four in the
townhouse, but not that many
in the neighborhood. Most of
our neighbors are families
and the elderly.
Q: What don 't you like about
living here?
A: Driving to class everyday.
Q: Is it harder to meet people
living off-campus?
A: Not really. I meet people
at class and at meals.
Q: Is it difficult to get to and
from class?
A: Yes; I have to drive to and
from class. I can't just walk
like the kids who live on
campus.
Q: Would you apply for
housing next year?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Describe the amenities in
the townhouse you live in.
k We have two bedrooms. a
•Off-Campus Housing Rates•
The rent of apartments, houses, and townhouses
may vary based on location and size. Utilities are
generally not included in the rent price, so you must
Townhouses like this one in Brookwood Village are often popular choices for off
campus living when they are affordable and located close to campus.
Living at home, or commuting, is very different from living in a dorm,
and has many advantages to college students. One advantage of
commuting is students spend less money. Students don't have to pay
for room and board, students don't have to pay to do laundry, and
students don't have to have a meal plan if they don't want one. If
students do want a meal plan, they have the option of choosing the
Diner's Club over the A La Board. With the Diner's Club, the
minimum payment is only $25, compared to the A La Board price.
Another advantage is that students are still able to be with their
families. While staying at home, students have a quieter place to
study, and students can come home when they have a break
between classes. Along with that, it is a lot easier to keep a job within
the city. One other advantage is that students can still earn a quality
education, as well as studying for the career of their choice, while
living at home.
While there are advantages to commuting, there are also
some disadvantages. One disadvantage is, again, money. Even
though students don't have to pay for room and board, they still have
to pay for tuition, classes, books, and gas money for traveling.
Another disadvantage is time. When students commute, their time is
limited when it comes to getting to class on time. Students need to
get up a little earlier to avoid the rush-hour traffic, school zones, and
most of all, snow and ice during the winter. The last disadvantage,
which is the most important one of all, is it's harder to stay involved
with the campus. When students commute, they are limited to the
activities and events that go on, especially in the dorms. One way
students can get involved is by joining some of the many student
activities and clubs that Behrend offers. Students also need to pay
"attention to bulletin boards, and e-mails in order to know what is
going on, and what events are taking place. Finally, students most
importantly need to make some friends and stay in contact with them,
whether it be on the phone, online, or any other forms of
communication.
Other than the few disadvantages that are involved with being
a commuter, it is also a wonderful thing, with the many advantages
that are listed above. Basically, it is okay to be a commuter,
especially if students get involved with campus activities.
•A Landlord's Perspective•
by Alicia McGrail
Mary Constanzo rents out two-bedroom
apartments at E. Ninth street. Each
apartment costs $3BO a month, plus utilities.
"There's a lot more freedom here than at
dorms. There are no curfews, my tenants
can smoke if they wish, and have parties. I
don't mind as long as they respect their
neighbors by keeping the noise moderate,"
pay that monthly, as well.
•Life as a Commuter•
by Erinn Hansen
staff writer
said Constanzo.
As Penn State Behrend fr
enough questions about cl
what exactly goes into a I
Picking where you want ti
confusing and tedious
A careful assessment c
drawbacks associated with
off-campus housing can hE
Off Ca
On Ca
a suyplement 6y Beaco
Alicia War
Cara Southwort - 6, Er
and Erinn 1-Cc
•MealiPlanS•
Students living on campus mist also to
meal plans offered by the schciol. StudE
campus residence are obligatetlby the
plan. Students living off-campus are nc
meal plan, but may , :do so if
Plan
No. of Points
33, 000
38, 000
43, 000
49, 000
54, 500
67, 500
much ea
L i*i
vs•
Livi
2001-2002 Meal. Plan
Point Cost Base
$330 -FsB
$3BO
$430
-Alicia McGra
+sB
+sB
+sB
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