East Tennessee State University - Buccaneer Yearbook (Johnson City, TN)

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Off Campus Living Debbie Ramsey Sometime in every college student's life, they dream of the carefree life of living on their own. in an apartment. This desire struck me during my junior year when I lived in Panhellenic Dorm. One night, after waiting 30 minutes for a campus policeman to let me in, only to face a steaming hot night on the top bunk, I decided three years of dorm living was enough. I got a part time job and began saving money for my very first apartment. In August of my senior year, my best friend and I began searching for our dream apartment. When she decided not to return to school. I continued the search on my own—that is. with the watchful guiding of my mother. I had visions of modern living—plush carpet, swimming pools, and elegant entertaining. My mother had visions of an efficiency apartment located somewhere between the police station and fire department. Our visions were sorely compromised after a few days of apartment hunting. Much to our dismay, we realized there was a shortage of apartments available to students. So, chin up. I settled for a one bedroom apartment with a roomy kitchen. My apartment, decorated in early attic and contemporary K-Mart”, was far from elegant, but to me it looked fine. It took me a few weeks to become accustomed to living on my own. I found myself yelling flush” in my bathroom and ordering pizzas from T.C.'s, but other than that the transition was easy. I found the best part of living off campus to be the freedom; however, it also means many extra responsibilities. Paying rent and utility bills were just a few things I had to learn to budget. Cutting corners became a daily goal concerning groceries, but gradually I learned to enjoy it all. My apartment is a place to entertain dates and friends. It is a place to study when no quiet places can be found on campus, and it is a place where I can enjoy privacy. Besides apartment living, there are several other alternatives to off-campus living. Some students rent trailers or houses; others simply commute from their own homes. Housing is available at economy prices for married students attending ETSU. And some male students opt for living in fraternity houses where housing responsibilities are shared between the members. Whatever the alternative, their are many factors, both good and bad. to be considered in off-campus living. But I know that I would not give up my apartment living for now I have a place to really call my own . 24 Ofl Campus Living

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 A dorm room is a nice place to study when you want to be surrounded by your own things and your own kind of music. Good friends and good food always makes dorm life more enjoyable. great! Don't you? You know, that’s one thing I like about this place—it let's me be me! For once in my life. I'm in control. I'm free ... I have no one but myself to answer to. I'm really on my own. My god. what’s that noise? It's a friggin' fire alarm! I better end this now Mom. If we don’t leave our rooms we have to go to housing and see Mr. Steele ... and I've already had to go twice this week, once for pouring soap suds down the hall and once for having a boy in my room all night... how was I supposed to know that just because my roomate had gone home for the night that I couldn't have a friend sleep over ... besides, I thought C” visitation was everyday. any day, all day (or night) long. Don't worry, Mom. I convinced Mr. Steele that the guy was my long lost cousin just in from Alaska. He thought I was awful lucky to run into ole cous” at the Tu-La-Fe. Well. Mom, you always wanted to know how dorm life was. I tell you, it's the pits ... it really is .. . but I love it. I wouldn’t have it any other way ... no, I wouldn’t live anywhere else ... well, at least not right now. Love, and oh—send money, Pam Dorm Life 23

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1. Married student housing is convenient because of its close proximity to campus It allows students to remain close to their families and go to school as well. 2. In your own apartment, you can relax and enjoy a good book without interruption 3. Henry Derrick enjoys his apartment life which gives him freedom of movement. Off Campus Living 25