|
DORM ALTERNATIVES
On most college campuses, the administration wants
freshmen to live in a dorm. Eventually they'll allow you to move out
into private quarters, but as an indoctrination of sorts, colleges
insist that you partake in some communal living. I actually think it's a
good idea because if you've always lived at home and then were isolated
in an apartment off campus, you might find yourself feeling very lonely.
But one of the things I learned in doing research for this book is that
some campuses have private dorms. These are acceptable to the college
administration but may be a cut above what the college offers.
|
|
When I lived in Israel, which was still Palestine
then, I lived on a kibbutz and so I know that one can make do on very
little in terms of creature comforts. But college students these days
are faced with a lot more pressures. A college degree has become
necessary to get ahead in the world, and many more undergraduates plan
to go on to graduate school. So I see nothing wrong with living
communally but with a touch of luxury to accentuate it. Jacuzzis, pools,
sun decks, concierge service, dry cleaning facilities, and better food
can certainly enhance your college experience. In some of these dorms
you can even get a massage.
|
|
Now I'd definitely pay extra for that! And
especially for those who don't like the idea of communal bathrooms,
these private dorms are all suites, so that you share a bathroom with
only your suite mates. Because private dorms don't require any
additional financing on the part of the colleges or the taxpayers, yet
allow for an expanded student body, they are becoming more and more
popular. Today's college-bound high schoolers have grown up with
additional services at home, greater than those only ten years ago. This
new consumer has set expectations on a higher plane. Universities and
colleges are changing "business as usual" to accommodate this
new market. These incoming students grew up with their own bedrooms and
had cable or a satellite dish in the den. In the private dorms available
today, you can check the dinner menu on Intranet or write a work order
from your room. The Ethernet makes your computer faster for research,
the dorm housekeeping staff will clean your bathroom regularly, and the
"resident life staff" will make sure you are aware of
homecoming events.
If your budget allows for a dormitory upgrade,
investigate the possibilities and indulge yourself!
|
|
Additional Resources on College Life include:
|
|
|
|
