When Kristin Zey enrolled at Kansas University she could live in a residence hall, join a sorority or live off campus.

“I wanted to live close to campus, but I didn’t want to share baths with other girls,” Zey said. “Living in a small room with another person didn’t seem like much fun. I like having my own space.”

Students deciding where to live while attending KU must consider their own personality, financial needs and proximity to campus.

Kristin believes she is independent with mature living skills, but some students need the contact with other students and the support they receive from residence hall accommodations.

Ken Stoner, director of student housing at KU, said housing facilities were part of the university’s educational program.

“The dorm facilities have academic resource centers, computer labs, faculty partners, available staff and Internet connections which make living in student housing an enriching educational experience,” Stoner said.

He said the environment led to better grades and a higher probability of graduating on schedule.

Managing a budget challenges some students. Some, like Zey work part time and have help from families, but others prefer to concentrate fully on class work.

“I pay $400 a month for an apartment that has utilities included,” Zey said. “I can only work four nights a week, so my parents have to help me every month when I run out of money.”

Stoner said the cost of living on-campus, when measured against some unknown costs like furnishings, telephone service, cable TV, electricity and water service can be less than paying for everything individually.

“These costs are set in advance so students can plan their budget,” said Stoner. “The least expensive dorm is about $2,034 per year for a room, and about $1,446 for meals.”

That amount almost doubles for suites with a bath and kitchenette and a meal plan with more meals included.

Students who consider having an off-campus residence must be aware of budgeting concerns. The residence hall expense is all inclusive, but monthly budgets are needed for someone who wants to live independently.

Stephanie Covington, associate director of KU’s student financial aid office, said college gave students and opportunity to develop financial foundations. She said students should be conservative and responsible with their spending. Covington suggests students build credit by obtaining a college credit card and using it wisely.

“Decisions they make now will impact their future,” said Covington. “We encourage students who feel overwhelmed with debt to visit with us and explore their options.”

Covington says there is a worksheet in the financial aid office, which helps students estimate expenditures they will have for college and helps them get an idea of what costs they will have.

“We sometimes suggest they hold some of their financial aid back for ongoing expenses,” Covington said.

Students must also find a place to live that is convenient for getting to campus. Commuting from off campus can become a major inconvenience, but Zey has resolved the problem with an apartment close to the university.

“I have a studio apartment close to campus next semester,” Zey said. “It’s only a half block from campus, and I don’t have to live in a dorm.”

Stoner said the time it takes to maintain a residence off campus could be better spent devoted to academic pursuits.

“Sometimes off-campus students will carry fewer hours each semester, taking longer to graduate and thus adding to overall costs and debt,” he said.

Zey said she liked her independence and was satisfied with her living arrangements for now, but Stoner supported living on campus.

“It’s more convenient, less stress, fewer distractions and students don’t have to cook,” said Stoner.

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