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Adjusting to Living Off-Campus

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

The first week at BC is already complete which means that the eagles are all settled into their new nests for the year. Freshmen have moved into their “cozy” forced triples, sophomores (if they’re lucky) into their suites, and seniors into their mods and apartments. With all of the buzz on campus it is sometimes easy to forget about we juniors living down the street, adjusting to our new lives in houses. Here are some things that require adjustment when moving off campus junior year:

 

1. Cooking

 

Without a mandatory meal plan and without Mom around to help you whip up a nice meal, it can be tough to figure out how to stay well-nourished in the first few weeks off-campus. Also note: if you are anything like me and my roommates, it may be important that you identify the nearest fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

 

 

2. Buying Furniture

 

Now that you live in a space where you can’t touch two walls at one time, you must find things to fill up your living, dining, and bedrooms. This can get expensive and tricky when roommates have different styles.

3. No More RAs (sort of)

 

Moving off campus means no more RA to tell you to make sure you follow the rules and therefore you must be a little more responsible. Of course, now you have neighbors, landlords, policemen…

 

 

4. “Commuting”

 

When you live on campus the most dreadful part of getting to class might be the Million Dollar Stairs or perhaps the moments when you have to put the “BC Lookaway” to good use. Now, living off campus you must decide between the crowded bus, the walk down Comm Ave or (if you are lucky) a ride in your roomie’s car.

 

 

5. Subletting

 

Finally, junior year is the year when many students study abroad which means that midway through the year, students will swap places in their homes. Some friends will go close to a year without being on campus together. 

 

Even though living off campus means a few adjustments, it also means more independence and more space for fun activities with friends. I hope everyone enjoys this year in their new temporary homes!

 

Sources:

https://media3.giphy.com/media/10u6gt11vnm812/200.gif#1-grid3

 

https://www.society19.com/ca/ultimate-guide-frosh-wilfrid-laurier-university/\

 

http://imgur.com/gallery/FuRaXSb

 

https://media3.giphy.com/media/26AHIA6ExwHzK1Tkk/giphy.gif

 

https://media1.giphy.com/media/GB0lKzzxIv1te/giphy.gif

 

http://www.bc.edu/offices/reslife/offcampus/international.html

Alana is a Senior at Boston College studying Math and Economics. She spent a semester studying in London and traveling throughout Europe. A movie, music, and milk chocolate enthusiast she spends her time quoting Leslie Knope, tagging her friends in puppy instagrams, and taking pictures of her food.
Vanessa is a senior at Boston College studying Economics and Communications. She is proud to be the Campus Correspondent of Her Campus at Boston College!