Ball State University - Orient Yearbook (Muncie, IN)

Page 31 text:

LIVING ‘OFF’: Hassled independence What was it that compelled students to move off campus? True, sometimes dorm food lacked variety and study time was interrupted, but at least students didn't have to wrestle with landlord restrictions, dripping faucets, or end-of- the month bills. Surely town-dwellers could live without the frustration of hitching rides to classes or the headache of finding parking spaces. Freedom and independence were in- triguing forces which drew students off campus. In a homey atmosphere, these students had a free hand at cooking and decorating, lax visiting hours, and a place to call ‘their own.’ But with every new freedom there was an added responsibility: utilities, damage deposit, renter’s insurance, lease transportation, and groceries. Just how did students living off cam- A; | TE Rooms that were often furniture-bare could be filled up with hanging greenery. Rusty Cline, senior from Indianapolis, is one of many student ‘’plant fanatics’ who made his off-campus apartment look a little more like home. pus cope with this? What were their living conditions like? What were the ad- vantages and disadvantages? Greg Goff and his three roommates had an unique experience this fall when their lease expired and an oral contract was broken; they were without a place to sleep or eat for two weeks. The students were in the preliminary stage of moving, themselves, when the new residents park- ed their moving van in the drive. Greg said his landlady was sympathetic during the situation, encouraging them to find a place to stay—‘‘If it isn’t too much of an inconvenience, would you please leave?’’ Legally, their stay was over. All their belongings were stashed in boxes or crates and moved out in one afternoon. “We stayed with friends, slept in garages and vans, and ate at cheap junk- food joints, ” Greg commented. ‘‘We know what it feels like to go without ¥ a - Deborah Chambers finds that she cannot just ‘run off’ after dinner like her friends in the residence halls. Students moving off campus often failed to consider the newly-added responsibilities of their lifestyle—laundry, washing, and cooking. showers for three days.’’ He added that it was virtually impossible to study because he couldn't remember which box his books were in. Aside from all the discomfort and in- convenience, it was an experience that Greg and his friends will never forget nor one they wish to repeat. Micky Cunn- ingham, who was also involved in the shuttle said, ‘‘We’re awfully lucky in hav- ing so many good friends who were will- ing to put us up!” Town living was not always flavored with such excitement. Jan Snyder, 18, lived with her 65-year-old aunt. Her living conditions were rent-free provided she helped with meals, dishes, cleaning, and ironing. “| have my privacy,’’ Jan said, but add- ed that her aunt tried to restrict her. ‘‘She disapproves of my religion...and Sunday football.” If Jan watched the game, her aunt simply snapped off the television. “She doesn’t like football. It’s her house and television so really what could | say?’’ explained Jan. Landlords were often ‘'verbally blasted’’ by students and vice versa. Mary Jo Mauger felt her landlord was ‘‘ripping them off.’’ He neglected to fix the kitchen window which was without a pane all winter, the bathroom sink that was falling off the wall, and a leaky faucet. “He brainwashed us with deception and flowery words,’’ Mary Jo said. ‘‘We were so stupid when we signed the lease!’” Some points in Mary Jo’s written contract included: No more than one guest per resi- dent allowed in the house at one time. No honking horns Or ‘‘verromming”’ cars after 11 p.m. No hilarious par- ties. These stipulations seemed lenient when compared to demands by other landlords. Some imposed an 11 p.m. curfew, and insisted that tenants in- troduce all guests before entering the house. Not all landlords were so restrictive and many felt they had a good relationship with the students. The students respected the landlord’s property; he respected their freedom. These students felt that developing an understanding more.. 27 Off-campus ¥

Page 30 text:

ene

Page 32 text:

Architecture student Jim Jelliffe, senior from In- dianapolis, doesn’t have to share a bathroom with other floor residents because of his town-living lifestyle. Seniors frequently moved off to be around other older students. Sy A nie