As the end of the school year approaches, decisions about where to live in the fall loom before returning students. For those still mulling over their options, the University offers several communal living choices.
Residence halls
For many students, the residence halls are their first experience living on their own, and are an essential part of the college experience.
“It’s a parent-free zone,” said Faye Sweeney, a freshman in Spiller Hall. “It’s an important part of freshman life. I have made most of my friends through the dorms.”
The residence halls come complete with a communal television and study lounges, laundry facilities and a weekly meal plan. The short walk to class, high-speed Internet connection and cable television service are convenient, but for some, late-night noise can become an issue.
“I hear people playing their Britney Spears music at two in the morning, and I have to tell them to be quiet because I have an early morning class,” Sweeney said.
University Housing also offers apartments or homes for families and graduate students. Full-time students 21 or older are eligible to live in any of the five complexes, including Spencer View, Westmoreland, Agate and Moon Court apartments, and Vintage Homes east of campus, with the East Campus Graduate Village to be ready in September. Graduate housing comes fully furnished with parking and Internet access, as well as child care and community events.
Cooperative living
Cooperative student housing offers a unique living opportunity where residents share the house duties of cooking and cleaning.
“It’s a dynamic environment,” said Geoff Hoffa, who lived in The Lorax co-op for six terms. “You come across an array of ideas and meet a lot of new people.”
The three student co-ops, The Lorax, Campbell Club and Janet Smith, attract a diverse range of students. Living eligibility requires taking three class credits per term, with residents’ ages ranging from 17-30.
“If you are looking for an alternative to the frats, dorms or a house, co-ops are a good transitional place to live,” Hoffa said.
Greek housing
There are 15 fraternity and nine sorority houses that provide a distinctive social atmosphere with similar amenities to the residence halls. Greek houses, located close to campus, offer an Internet connection, study lounges and a cook.
“It’s nice to live in a comfort zone,” said Kristen Hall, a junior in Alpha Phi. “There’s always something to do, and people to go anywhere with you and be with you all the time.”
More information on greek housing is available on the Greek Life Web site, www.greeklife.uoregon.edu.
Mikhael Romain is a freelance
reporter for the Emerald.
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