During the summer, I decided to switch my housing from the residence halls to the East Campus Suites.
Originally, I wanted to go to the apartments, but I put myself on the waitlist for both East and West Campus. East Campus ended up having the first availability. So, I just accepted the first place available.
Now that I live in East Campus, I do not regret it. I greatly prefer it. I think East Campus is better than West Campus because of the furniture, cost, location and some other small things.
First, I think that furniture is a key factor for why East Campus is better. Originally, I wanted to save up my money from the summer to buy some new but affordable furniture, or secondhand furniture from Facebook marketplace.
Then, as I started looking at the logistics of getting furniture, I was glad East provides you with all the furniture you need because having to build a couch or find a big enough car to pick up some furniture and move it into an apartment would have been too much of a hassle. Especially since I would have to pay to stay on campus over the summer or move all my furniture that I bought out of my apartment and then move back in during the fall.
I am also glad that I ended up in East Campus because it is cheaper to move into a four-bedroom suite, which is $3291 a semester, than a four-bedroom apartment in West Campus, which is $3619 a semester. Even though a two or three-bedroom apartment in West would be the same, if not cheaper than a four-bedroom in East, that still would not account for furniture.
The location is also better, as almost every place I would need to go to is on that side of campus. The buildings are away from many others, so it is pretty quiet. West is far behind the McDonald’s, and since I walk most places, I think it’s too far a walk to where I need to go promptly. It is much easier and quicker to get to class, the library or the David L. Eisler because I do not have to cross a main road, and can just take shortcuts anywhere.
Those were the main reasons I like East better than West, but I also have little reasons. One of them is the fact that I love the kitchens in East. When it comes to kitchens, my favorite must-have feature is an island. I have liked kitchen islands since I was a kid. You don’t have to buy a table unless you are having a bunch of people over, and even then, most people aren’t going to get a table for more than four. I also love how there is a little nature area with beautiful waters right next to the buildings to go see.
Overall, East Campus Suites is better because of the ease of moving one’s belongings, the cost and features. It should be noted that I think both are way better than living in a residence hall, but if you’re going to upgrade, you should go to East Campus Suites.