_Corey Davidson is a junior journalism major at MU. He is an opinion columnist who writes about student life and politics for The Maneater._
College is undoubtedly the best time in one’s life to experiment. For many, it’s the first long-term separation from the family and an environment with plenty of room to try new things. Student housing is no exception, especially after a year of living in the dorms.
The allure of luxury apartments is tantalizing; when Brookside gives free donuts in Speakers Circle and TODD is steps away from the quad, there seems to be no downside. While I, too, have relished in the experience of a luxury apartment, there’s no denying that there are a couple of pitfalls.
####Astronomical Cost
The biggest consideration for choosing your next home is likely going to be the cost. If you’re balling and don’t have to worry about it, then more power to you. However, for the common man, rent is a huge factor in the choice. Many apartments offer early signing bonuses or savings for committing to another year, but the real damage comes from costs they don’t tell you about.
For example, I lived in TODD my sophomore year with a couple of friends. The actual apartment was impressive: fully furnished with plenty of space and a friendly staff. However, my bank account was in debilitating pain. The rent was bearable, but we took issue with the frustratingly low limit for electricity usage. At TODD, each apartment is afforded a set amount of electricity and is then charged additionally when that limit is passed.
That limit was unnaturally low. There were months where I would shower in complete darkness, we would plan to use the dishwasher sparingly and touching the thermostat was off-limits. Even with these precautions, each of us would net roughly $30 extra onto our bills. While TODD staff informed us that this was up to the City of Columbia, it was still not cool.
Pair this with convenience fees for paying online and expensive parking, the supposedly special rate of $775 achieved from signing up early was negligible. Depending on what you value in a living space, cost will make or break your decision.
####Close Quarters
One thing that puts TODD and U Centre a cut above the rest is their location. I had a shorter walk to all of my classes than I ever did living in Hatch Hall my freshman year, which was incredible. The proximity to campus, though, also brought an uncomfortable proximity to a lot of other people.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet in the evenings, I would recommend living a little farther away. Nearly every night living downtown, you can hear the distant cries of traffic, music and drunken grandeur. Apartment dwellers are also prone to the muffled sounds of intimacy, exercise and the everything in-between of their neighbors. At first it seems kind of funny to hear a sudden crash from upstairs or random yelling at 3 a.m., but it gets old really fast.
While this is also the case in residence halls, the addition of alcohol and freedom make most weekend nights much more noisy in an apartment.
####Still Can’t Be Left Alone
Despite being responsible enough to sign a contract and make monthly payments, the pursuit of independence is still out of reach in a luxury apartment. Most anywhere that you pay rent is going to require regular maintenance, security checks and adherence with city or safety measures.
This isn’t too much of a problem, as it’s totally their job to keep their renters safe and to comply with regulations. What is a problem is the constant advertisement of community events and inability to be left alone. This is appropriate in a residence hall, where one is encouraged to make new friends and have a social life. It feels out of place in an apartment, though, as the only thing we have in common with these people is the building in which we live. It is all voluntary, but it just seems odd.
When it comes to making your decision for living arrangements next year, be conscious of what you’re getting into. Luxury living is certainly sweet, but the free food and advertising tell a bit of a different story.
