Housing is one of the most important aspects of college - where you live defines your daily schedule, routine, and habits. Whether you live in dorms, on-Grounds housing, off-Grounds housing, or something in between, your living situation represents a refuge away from school and the public, a personal place of sanctity that you mold to fit yourself and your needs. So of course, deciding where to live, and who to live with, from year to year is a daunting decision not to be taken lightly. However, it is a growing trend at our University to make this immense decision about housing earlier and earlier in the year, a trend that creates many problems for students of all years.
The early push for housing mainly affects those looking to live off-Grounds. Many people would probably prefer to live off-Grounds, given the multiple advantages that stem from non-University housing, such as complete personal freedom (no RAs!) and freedom to live with friends of your choosing. Even those who choose to remain on-Grounds need to commit to that decision early - otherwise students may face regret at not searching for off-Grounds housing later and finding that all possibilities have dried up. And the push has already begun. At my own apartment on Rugby Road, I have already received several jubilant notifications from my apartment realtors, inviting me to renew my lease by Oct. 7, as they would "love to have me stay for another year!" This strikes me as a little bit absurd. After all, I have only been living in my apartment for a couple months. How am I supposed to make the decision to commit to another year without first forming an opinion of the pros and cons of living where I am now, let alone decide if I want to live with my current roommates (one of whom is an insufferable slob who refuses to turn off the AC at night). However, as a second-year I at least have some idea of who I want to live with and where I want to live. First-years are thrown into this huge decision within the first month of school. According to George Gianakos, a current first-year, "there's a lot of pressure to sign a lease early." In fact, many of his first year friends have already decided where they are living next year, because "it's kind of forced upon you so early."
Read More
EDITORIAL: Carla Williams deserves her seat at the table
By Editorial Board | 2 days agoLooking beyond basketball and football reveals that Virginia Athletics is, in many ways, thriving.
UPADHYAYA: The Great and not-so-Good sides of U.Va.’s 2030 housing plan
By Apal Upadhyaya | 5 days agoInstead of improving the dire state of existing infrastructure, however, the University has shifted attention away from it and chosen to expand.
EDITORIAL: Support low-barrier shelters in Charlottesville
By Editorial Board | 6 days agoInvesting in low-barrier shelters now will pay off in increased stability for the homeless, which will undoubtedly improve the safety of shelters and the community writ large.
