Students have had trouble with Chapel Ridge’s management, Stratford Hills and Stratford Apartments don’t come furnished, and when winter weather hits, climbing the hill from Town House Apartments is not ideal. So why do so many students move off campus beginning sophomore year?
The most common answer is probably that off-campus living can be cheaper than on-campus living. And this editorial board gets that. Part of college is learning how to make that last $15 in your bank account count — Cosmic Cantina and the Yogurt Pump.
But for those who are on the fence about living on or off campus, they should consider applying to live in a Residential Learning Program (formerly Living-Learning Communities, or LLCs). It’s just one way to challenge whether cheaper rent is worth the summer subletting woes or passing up a residence hall’s convenience.
Beginning in the fall of 2016, the Department of Housing and Residential Education said it will be rolling out a few new programs, including one for members of the LGBT community and the ROTC community. Innovators and entrepreneurs might even have their own on-campus living community as soon as Fall 2017, if current early-stage talks between housing and the Kenan-Flagler Business School become reality.
And there are already the existing nine RLPs.
The new projects, and other projects currently being considered, such as renovating several kitchens in North Campus residence halls in the coming year or two, are all part of the housing department’s campaign to earn UNC students’ love. Because students matter.