By Mason Lipsey / Staff Writer

Freshmen at Missouri Valley College are required to live on campus during their first year. After that, students can choose whether to remain in the residence halls or move into off-campus housing. For many students, the decision comes down to balancing independence with convenience.

Housing applications allow students to list preferences and request roommates, but some freshmen say they are surprised by the size and layout of their rooms. Sharing a small space with another student can make daily routines more challenging, particularly when both residents bring their own furniture and belongings.

Despite those challenges, living on campus can offer important benefits. Residence halls keep students close to classes and campus activities, making it easier to build friendships and maintain a structured schedule. Many students say the experience helps them adjust to college life during their first year.

As students look ahead to sophomore year, independence becomes a major factor in housing decisions. Freshman Brandon Johnson said the idea of living off campus has been on his mind for months.

“I have thought about living off campus next year for a while now because of some compelling factors,” he said. “Mainly for me its the independence and comfort. I would have my own space and be able to control my schedule on a personal level, plus it would be so much quieter.”

Johnson lives in Moreland Hall and said dorm life can be busy and noisy at times. He also acknowledged that moving off campus could create new challenges.

“It would be hard to juggle rent and driving between practice, classes, and the weight room because being on campus saves me so much time,” he said. “I would risk being late a lot.”

Student-athletes often face demanding schedules, and location can play a major role in managing daily responsibilities. Sophomore Brynn Delatte, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and a softball player, said financial considerations influenced her decision to move off campus.

“My choice to leave campus was based mainly on the aspect of money because it was a cheaper alternative,” she said. “Also, being off campus has allowed me time to do my own meals and also feel very independent as I have my own living environment. Although staying at the dorms was a good and socially interactive experience, my off-campus experience did not make an impact. The friendships that I have developed during my stay at the campus have been good, as friends always visit and have continued to engage with each other in activities.”

Other students said the physical condition and layout of dorm rooms also affect their housing decisions. Freshman Braydon Mingo, who lives in Roberts Hall, said the amount of furniture in his room makes the space feel crowded.

“They put too much furniture in a small space, a majority of which feels unnecessary, just random shelves and long desks,” he said. “They aren’t the most pleasant rooms to be in, but the formal rooms have been a nice addition. I use them alot just wish they had more things to do. Overall, I would pick an apartment first just because the dorms are so bland and you can’t really make it your own space with how small it is.”

Students said the choice between living on or off campus often depends on personal priorities, including cost, convenience and the desire for privacy. While college marks a major step toward independence, many students say having a comfortable space of their own plays an important role in that transition.

With finals approaching and housing applications already distributed, many freshmen are beginning to plan where they will live next year.