On-Campus vs Off-Campus Living: My University Accommodation Experience

University days are one of the most exciting periods of our lives, and one reason why it's so is probably because it's our first taste of absolute freedom from the watchful eyes of our parents, a time when we really are almost free to do anyhow we deem fit without fearing that our parents will find out. However, one of the things that can secure the freedom and how much of it we can have while being an undergraduate is dependent on where we stay; while those who stay outside the campus tend to have unrestricted freedom, the same can't be said for those staying on campus, and here I'll be telling you about which I prefer and how my days in the university went.

Looking back through the years into my understanding days, I can vividly remember that one of the most notable things that was a challenge to me during my undergraduate days was accommodation. Yes, I know it kind of sounds ordinary, like why will accommodation be a problem to me? Well, it was, and the reason for that isn't far-fetched. Just like most young adults, I was thrilled about the prospect of living under the watchful eyes of my parents, staying far away so I could have more freedom, but I never anticipated the challenges that come with that.

You see, I was an introvert, and I never thought not being someone who's outspoken or social can lead to having difficulties in securing a roommate, but then, I realized after weeks of being in the school, and I couldn't get anyone to agree to be my roommate, most of the hostels inside the campus require at least two or three students to apply for it before it'll be given out, and with me not being able to convince anyone, that's how I was unable to get a place within the campus until all the available hostels had been occupied.

And so I began a quest to get a place outside the campus, and the same thing was the case, as I wasn't one who made friends easily, and that made it challenging for me to get someone to agree to rent a place with me. Well, fortunately, someone did lately let me stay with them, even though I don't pay a dime, but I had a wonderful time staying with them for the next two years.

During that period I was very much pleased that I didn't secure a place on campus because I found out that there were several rules and restrictions that mustn't be breached for those staying on the campus. It was kind of annoying, although I'm not much of an outgoing person, but I later found out from those staying within the campus how things were; they usually found lamenting and complaining about the script rules that made it seem as though they were still under their parents control, and they couldn't help but envy us who stayed outside the campus.

Comparing my experience outside the campus, even when I later made friends and rented a place of my own, I can't help but say that I prefer saying outside the campus; it's just a safe haven where I get to do things without some strict rule binding me. I remember a time I decided to read in the school campus through the night and plan on sleeping at one of my friends places on campus; by the time we were done reading and went to his hostel, we were both not allowed to enter the hostel because the security claimed it's an odd hour.

That's how both my friend, who rented a place inside the campus, and I were turned down from entering a place he paid for. It was quite annoying, and I can't even imagine such happening to me in a place I paid for. I understand it's for security purposes, but then he already explained to them that he was only there in the library, but regardless of what was said, we weren't allowed, and that freedom and lack of restriction is one of the major reasons why I prefer staying off campus.

All photos are mine.