Aaron Hartley–

 

As a full-time student and commuter to U of L, like many other students, I find myself in an irritating predicament: my home is too close to campus for any reason to live in a dorm, and too far for it to be comfortable to walk.

 

Almost two miles from U of L’s campus, the practicality of paying to live in on-campus housing or driving, if I actually owned a car, is low. Granted the walking distance, while very doable, still remains just enough of a trek to where I find myself napping through my morning classes.

 

Having lived on campus my freshman year, I’m able to know the joy and convenience of being able to rest in my own abode between classes.

 

My main complaint is that my proximity to campus makes it difficult to partake in events on campus, or with student groups. Such events often take place in the evening, and since my classes take place in the mornings multiple excursions back and forth are difficult with a lack of transportation.

 

So what are the solutions to my petty complaints? It’s simple. Get over it, or move. Having left my on-campus housing at the end of my freshman year in 2014, I was offered solace at one of several student apartment areas: The Province, Cardinal Towne and the soon-to-be opened Grove.

 

After looking at my options, I chose to return home. At upwards of $600 dollars a month, student apartments are far beyond the range of many students. Not to mention there are a multitude of houses to rent in the nearby neighborhood for a cheaper rate.

 

Apart from the cost, student apartments offer very little unique advantages you wouldn’t be able to find at a dorm on campus, albeit on a more individualized scale.

 

Looking back, I’m fine with my decision to move back home, and not just because The Grove opened unfinished last fall, but because student apartments simply do not provide enough incentive for a close commuter like me.

 

To be honest even if I did have the money, renting a nearby house with friends would be the more practical choice.

 

With The Clubhouse and The Retreat, student apartments opening this fall, options for commuters are noticeably expanding, but it’s too early to tell if the incentives or accessibility will be worth the money.

 

Hopefully they will at least be finished by the time school starts.

 

In the meantime, I’m content with keeping my distance from campus, even if it means a bit of inconvenience. Whether or not student apartments will find a way to convince close commuters like myself to sign a lease has yet to be seen. Until then, a brisk, early-morning walk is the easier, monetary decision.