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

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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

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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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As for phone service, the installation alone (including a $60 deposit and an installation charge of at least $56, depending on the type of phone) can easily cost over $100. Renting a phone can add nearly $10 to the monthly bill, so it ' s usually advisable to buy your own. And of course that monthly bill depends on the kind and quantity of calls made. A word of warning to those used to campus calling: in the real world, you pay a monthly service charge whether you make any long distance calls or not. The off-campus student ' s best chance to economize is at the grocery store. The University ' s board cost is $420 per semester, but those who do their own shopping can usually eat much better on $20 a week, which only adds up to $300 by the end of the fifteen-week semester. Generic products can cut that cost another 15%. However, for those who live off but spend a lot of time on campus, the food plan isn ' t a bad deal when coupon books (retailing at $67) can be bought from fellow students for $35-40. The convenience is worth the cost. Fortunately, off-campus residents have COSO (the Comm uter and Off-Campus Student Organization) to help them keep all their figures straight. A combination of COSO and a big dose of common sense can make getting off the smart — as well as the popular — way to live . . . even in 1983. Mike Staufenger Bob Sorino 29