Off-campus housing has both ups and downs

By Anne C. Miller staff writer

Just days before Easter break, Resident Life notified a group of 60 students that, due to the housing dilemma, they were not eligible to participate in the housing lottery for the '99-'00 school year.

Despite the fact that students were placed on a waiung list, a guarantee for housing has not yet been established.

"The college is trying to secure an offcampus site," Cathy Caulfield said, director of Resident Life. ··we do what we can and hope to get a number of people off the waiting list."

In the meantime, however, students are left seeking some means of housing.

"I got stuck living off campus this year and am being threatened by the same situation for a second time," Tony Barrett, a sophomore commuter, said.

Barrett, like many others who intended to live on campus, finds himself in a jam due to the point system. Commuters wishing to move on campus are left in the lurch.

"It's a pain living off campus. The commute is a hassle and I feel like I'm missing out on a lot," Barrett said, "not to mention the expense."

According to several commuters living on their own, there are advantages to living off-campus.

Sue Sipes, a sophomore who spent one semester off-campus said " it is cheaper, in the long run, to live off Cabrini's campus, though, worrying about the money situation each month can be stressful if you let it."

"I pay about $185 a month, plus $45 in utilities," said Joe D'Amico, a sophomore commuter.

Barrett and D'Amico, along with two other Cabrini students, are living together in the Valley Forge Suites, an apartment complex located behind the King of Prussia Mall. Each resident pays slightly over $240 a month, which totals to $2880 a year.

Compared to the nearly $7000 room and board at Cabrini, living off campus does not hurt the pocket book as much, but can be a nuisance in other areas.

"I feel like I have more privacy in my own apartment and it's more relaxing," D'Amico said.

Others like Barrett and D'Amico agree that living off campus is more peaceful. Unlike the houses and dorms, apartment complexes are on the quiet side and more secluded.

"I don't have to worry about a housing deposit, RAs, or damages," Barrett said. "My only concern is nussing out on the spur-ofthe-moment fun times, and the commute."

Sipes said "I loved living off-campus, and although it became a hassle, it definitely out weighs some of the problems on campus Finding the housing wasn't as complicated as it was on-campus either."

Sipes suggests that students look for already furnished apartments, that are close by, and not too expensive.

For some possible ideas, Resident Life can be contacted.