Kent State University - Chestnut Burr Yearbook (Kent, OH)

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When the New York Times published a book in the spring of 1982 rating many universities and colleges throughout the United States, KSU was noted for its variety of on and off-campus living accomodations. What the Times didn ' t say was that no matter where students live, they usually underestimate the cost of their lifestyle. The price of living off campus can be especially high, and especially unpredictable. Before prospective renters sign away their security deposits, they have a lot of budgeting to do. Here ' s one way that budget broke down in the 1982-83 economy. Because mass housing in all forms is available in Kent, a great deal of competition in prices exists. Most two- bedroom apartments within one or two miles of campus run near $290 per month. Half a house (the upstairs, for example) generally costs close to $250 while single rooms run between $95 and $150. Those who commute from family homes have it a little better. The price of gas has remained fairly consistent, but insurance continues to climb, so — depending on the car, its mileage, the driver, and the distance — transportation can be very expensive. Those who choose to rent rather than commute must often consider utility costs, something best done in advance to prevent unexpected bites in the budget. Gas, electricity, and water costs are extremely variable and it usually pays to check you home ' s previous billing record with the utility company rather than relying on the landlord ' s estimates. Gary Harwood Bob Sorino 27

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Bob Sorino When you move off campus, you begin to realize that working means more than emptying the wastebasket and making your own bed. Unless you ' re lucky enough to rent a house with a washing machine, you have to hike your clothes to the laundromat, although you can always dry them on the ever- versatile front porch (this page, top). The cafeteria doesn ' t do your dishes anymore, but at least you have a kitchen ... or a boyfriend ' s kitchen, like the one Judy McGlinchy uses at College Towers (above). Houses themselves have to be made presentable, and winterized when the cold weather threatens (opposite top). And all that wonderful furniture from Grandma ' s attic and the garage sale has to be cleaned or your apartment ends up smelling like a hybrid attic garage; back at College Towers, Tammy Thomas performs the honors on her couch (opposite bottom). 26

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Gary Harwood, above and opposite. Although it can cause problems at times, living with your friends (human or animal) can be one of the best things about being off campus. Sharing the wood-chopping duty in preparation for a cookout at their house on Franklin are Charlie Cavanaugh, a sophomore in business administration, and Mark Ondracek, a senior in computer science (above). Up on South Willow, Robin Polley shares her front porch with her dog, Sunshine (opposite top), while a few blocks away on South Lincoln, senior psychology major Jack Jesberger shares a laugh with friends (opposite bottom). 28