As a student who chose to live off-campus, of course I think it’s the better choice.

I had three options when I transferred to Lakeland: stay on-campus, live with my grandma, or live on my own. Having my own apartment with no roommate was a change and a bit of a challenge, but it was ultimately the best decision for me.

I understand why others might think the opposite: I’m not in the ‘community’ the way I might be living on-campus, I have to drive to and from school every day and I may be missing out on part of the college experience.

While these things are arguably true, I know living off-campus is so much better. I don’t have to deal with roommates, with constantly being around people without having my own space or with following anyone else’s rules.

Living on my own, I can do what I want, when I want, without having to consider others (to a degree). If I’m doing homework, I know no one is going to bother me. If I want to go to bed early or watch TV all day, I can and no one else is going to be inconvenienced or nosey about it.

I’m someone who values their privacy and is in need of having time and space to decompress from people – I get that by not living on-campus.

Did I mention the space? I have room to do stuff, like cook and have real furniture on which I can lay down, comfortably, that is also not smashed near a bed or Tetris-ed into place. My bed has its own room, with my clothes, independent of the rest of my apartment. And I’m the only one to use it.

And for the ultimate bonus, I don’t have to share a bathroom with anyone.

It probably doesn’t hurt that it’s forcing me to be a little more responsible, do my own cooking and cleaning, go grocery shopping and learn how to pay bills – you know, all the things a real adult has to do after college.

I may not always be up to date with the latest happenings on-campus, I may not be as involved as other students, but I get to leave campus every day and come to a place free of people and stress where I can relax.

I know I made the right choice.