To many students, blue skies and green growth signify a temptation from work and study. But they also signify a time for serious decisions about next year’s living situations. It is only May, but returning students are already signing contracts for dorms, apartments, houses and the Greek system. If you are undecided, you should think about your social habits and preferences and also reflect on your ideal cost, location and facilities before you choose a residence. Then compare your needs and desires with the options Eugene has to offer.

Private student dorms
Although Heather McConochie did not want the dorm experience her freshman year, she still wanted to live in a communal environment. So last year she moved into the Collegian, a private student dormitory, and then she stayed as a resident adviser this year. McConochie likes that the Collegian is located close to campus. Like University Housing, it offers a meal plan, but all the rooms are singles with private bathrooms. Depending on whether they have one or two levels, studios cost between $8250 to $10,500 for the year. This includes 19 meals a week, utilities, parking and furnishings. McConochie likes that the Collegian seems quiet and feels safe. But with only 40 residents, the Collegian is more like a residence hall than a residence complex. “There are a limited number of people to interact with,” she said.

University Housing
Because of small rooms and shared facilities, the dorms often create a sense of community and endless social opportunities for the residents. Robbins Hall resident Andrew Eichman said that the dorms have helped him build new friendships, but that they also are taxing.
“You are forced to be social all your waking hours,” he said. For returning resident Brook Wyntergreen, the dorms represent convenience. Because she works late in her architecture studio, Wyntergreen wants a low-maintenance residence close to campus. Next fall, she plans to live on the third floor of the Carson Housing Complex with friends, transfer students and other upperclassmen. Because the University has housekeeping and five dining facilities, Wyntergreen will not have to cook or clean. With an 80-point meal plan and a standard single room, she will pay $7,300 for next year. Her bill, though it may seem steep, includes a daily chai tea at the Underground, University Housing’s coffee shop.

Apartment life
Many students who want to get away from the residence halls but still want the opportunity to meet other students, head across the river to Centennial Boulevard. Decorated with balloons and banners, Ducks Village, University Commons and Chase Village look like a string of car dealerships: They sell the same product in different sizes, colors and prices. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, the apartments can be as quiet or social as one wants. Most apartments have furnishings, laundry, full kitchens, safety features and parking. Additionally, students share athletic facilities such as a pool, a hot tub and volleyball and basketball courts. Located near Autzen Stadium, these complexes are a five-minute bike ride or a short bus trip from campus.
Although they often have less amenities than the Autzen complexes, there are also numerous apartments within walking distance of coffee shops and classes. Their options and their price range greatly, but these complexes offer the necessities: a place to eat, a place to sleep and some room for a desk and friends.

Renting a house
Because the usual maximum on apartments is four people, junior Kai Welsh realized that if you want to live with more people, you need to rent a house. Paying about $290 a month, Welsh lives with four friends and his cat, Ferris. He likes his house because he only has to interact with the people he chose to live with.
“I don’t have to see everyone who lives in the swarm [apartments],” he said. Welsh feels that the apartments by Autzen Stadium are homogenous, sterile, secluded and too far away. He explained that in a house you can have pets and parties, and you can cook for yourself. Comparing his house to a canvas, Welsh said, “You can have your own artistic expression.”

Going greek
Active on campus, the greek system seems to be focused on the present, but its traditions tie it to the past. As another option, sororities and fraternities have provided housing to University students for over a hundred years. Besides a bed and a meal plan, the greek system offers leadership, community service and social opportunities. Many fraternities rush men during the summer, and women can join sororities during fall rush.