Housing on the Island

I have had a lot of friends ask how housing works on the island so I thought I would explain it a little. 

For the first 15 weeks (or your first semester) you stay in freshman housing on campus.  It is very similar to freshman housing as an undergraduate.  They have three different room options: they have triples and doubles where you have your own bedroom but then share a common living room/kitchen or you can have your own studio apartment.  The single occupancy is about $755 a month, a double is $545 a month while a triple is $488 a month. I am not sure which one I would want.  It would be nice to have my own place so I can be how clean/messy I want at times but I am also a very social person and would like roommates.  I shared a room all 4 years as an undergraduate and I had some AMAZING roommates but of course there were times we all did not see eye to eye.  I really don’t have a preference right now.  The double and triple occupancy is very limited so who knows which one I will get.

The freshman housing is furnished so you don’t need to bring too much.  On the website it states the following items are included: Bed frame, Mattress, Two standard-size pillows, Nightstand, Closet/wardrobe, Hangers (set of 10), Dresser (six drawers), Desk, Two arm chairs, Two small lamps with shades, Stovetop with two burners, Microwave, Toaster oven, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Window blinds, Shower curtain with hooks, Pots and pans, seven pc (includes three saucepans with lids and stainless fry pan), Corelle Dinnerware, 20 pc (set includes four each of the following: dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, saucers, soup/cereal bowls and cups), Glasses, eight pc (four small, six and a half oz; four tall, 10 and a half oz), Silverware, set of 20 pc (meat fork, salad fork, knife, teaspoon for four persons; serving spoons), Silverware holder, Cooking utensils, 25 pc (stainless steel steak knife, kitchen knife, basting spoon, slotted spoon, ladle, slotted turner, cutting board, etc.), Garbage receptacle, kitchen and Garbage receptacle, bathroom (See picture above of the room).  They tell you to bring bedding, towels, alarm clock, extension cords, Light blanket, Mattress pad, Bath mats, Towels and washcloths, Shower caddy, Flashlight w/ extra batteries, Mini sewing kit and safety pins, and a Computer Ethernet cord.

After your first semester, you move off campus to an apartment.  All apartments are pre-approved by the University and they also assist you in finding an apartment that suits your needs.  The apartments are also fully furnished. 

Well, back to my reason why I am talking about the housing.  Remember Saturday when I spent all day shopping with my mom for items…well a lot of it is going back.  The bedding I bought was expensive because I thought I would be using my bedding all 3 years I am on the island. Well, that is not the case. Most apartments off campus have different size beds and often include bedding.  I don’t see the reason to spend A LOT of money on bedding I could only use for 15 weeks.  If I have an apartment 2^nd semester that is already furnished, I can change the sheets so I feel more comfortable.  So, off to Bed Bath and Beyond to return a few items and then back to shopping for cheaper bedding.  But guess what, I found something I like.  Here is a picture of it! 

Yes I know- it is very girly but that’s me J.  Hope you enjoyed reading!!