I lived on campus both my freshman and sophomore year -- personally I thought it was a great decision because I was not only on campus and close to everything, I was not quite ready to make the commitment to looking for and paying for an apartment or house.
Choosing a roommate and an apartment to live in can be tough. Here are some things I thought about when I was apartment hunting:
- cost,
- location,
- campus proximity,
- services, and
- (don't get me started on) the amenities!
My roommate and I made lists of the things we liked and didn't like for each apartment complex. We both wanted a washer and dryer (which we didn't end up getting), wi-fi (still working on that -- its a long story), and a shuttle or bus that goes to and from campus (got it!) among a few other things. What made us decide on the place we are currently living was the cost mainly. It was the most affordable for us and we found that we'd be able to adapt and use our resources for anything else that we may want or need.
I think after the whole process of picking a place to stay and finally moving in I'm happy where we ended up because it's a place we can call our own.
A few weeks after living here I've been trying to get accustomed to living off campus, the city bus system, and grocery shopping (believe me it's not that easy!).
- Before I even moved back I went to Oliver Winery on my birthday for a wine tasting.
- I got a job because I have to pay rent somehow!
- I visited Kilroy's and Dunkirk since I turned 21 this summer.
- I stuffed my face at Mr. Hibachi.
- I went to a 18+ "club" opening at Club Pretty Boy to see a friend perform -- not the best place to go, I'll probably never go again.
- Yesterday I went to Pourhouse Cafe and had a blondie frappe and it did not disappoint!
- I also tried Laughing Planet for the first time and it was delicious! I had the pestato burrito. You can find the menu here.
- I went to the Bloomington Farmers Market off Sixth Street - they have one every Tuesday. There is also one every Saturday (at another location, click here for details about both).
Since moving back to Bloomington I've also been able to hang out with some friends and even meet new ones already! As welcome week is approaching I get more and more excited to go to all the events and see all my friends again. I thought the excitement would eventually wear off but I truly love being in Bloomington and being a student at IU because everyday brings new possibilities.
If you are looking for a place to live off-campus, here are a few other articles you might want to read: