We’re closing in on just over five weeks left in the semester, and I for one could not be feeling more torn. On one hand, I really love being at school and living with all of my friends and having my independence, but the other half of me just wants it all (homework, exams, papers, etc.) to be over with.
Alas, the one thing that has been taking over my life for the past week is the struggle to figure out housing for next year. I had no idea that it was going to be the roller coaster of events that it turned into. Therefore, since my brain has been consumed by nothing else other than the subject, I have decided to write up my opinion on off-campus housing for this week’s issue of “So It Goes.”
I have to say right off the bat that I believe the process that students must go through to obtain off-campus housing is not only extremely competitive, but at times, fairly confusing as well.
Most West Chester students go through West Chester Off-Campus Housing, which is located on High Street a few blocks from the University. From there, students can look at potential apartments and houses that fall under their budget and wish list requirements.
My friends and I were informed that housing for next fall goes fast and upon hearing that startling information, we commenced the process with open minds and hopeful outlooks. We ended up touring two places that seemed promising, but before we could even inform our parents and sign the lease, all of the available spaces got snatched up. It just seems so absurd that students have to be burdened with housing concerns for the upcoming fall semester before the current one is even over. It’s just another stress to add to the ever-growing pile. So it goes.
Then, fresh out of luck and searching for any sign of optimism, I decided to browse around a realty site, more for interest than anything else. Much to my complete surprise, I found a two-bedroom apartment for rent within our price range (below it, as a matter of fact). We toured the property and fell in love with it instantly. Now, we are finishing up the last details and will hopefully be able to sleep safe knowing that we have a concrete plan for next year.
Even though things have (seemingly) all been worked out in my group’s housing situation, it doesn’t eradicate the complications and struggles that we faced along the way. I know for a fact that I was not prepared to deal with the intensity that off-campus housing bring with it coming into this school year. It’s been a painful process at times, but I know that it’s one step closer towards truly becoming an adult, so hopefully it will all be worth it.
With the end of the semester almost in reach, I look forward to crossing the housing search off my list and hopefully replacing it with something more enjoyable (movie marathon, anyone?). Till next time, so it goes.
Rachel Alfiero is a second-year student majoring in communication studies. She can be reached at RA806657@wcupa.edu.