Author: Kelsey Gregorio

What to Expect When You Move Off Campus

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I lived in Smith-Steeb my freshman year, so I had it pretty good. Super nice rooms, full service on-campus food options very close by, and an unlimited number of people to turn to if I needed help or advice. Don’t get me wrong, I love living off campus and I love my house now, but there are definitely times when living in the dorms seemed so much simpler.

When you live in a dorm, you pay a lump sum at the beginning of the semester to cover all of your food and housing fees, and that’s that. When you live off campus, you have to pay bills! It sounds crazy and way too adult-like, but it’s true.

Bills are definitely the worst part of living off campus. Now that you’re responsible every month not only for rent, but for gas, electric, cable/Internet and water, you need to be way better about managing your money and learning to budget. Here are some apps to help you.

Having to go grocery shopping and cook meals is also a big adjustment when moving off campus. You no longer have access to pre-made food whenever you want it (unless you get a commuter meal plan).

Doing your own grocery shopping seems great — you’re able to buy whatever food you want without your mom there to say no, but it’s really important that you are actually getting everything you need to maintain a healthy diet. Also, it is important to get things you know you can cook, and will actually eat. Here are some easy recipes to get you started.

The last thing I think is really important to consider before you move into your off-campus apartment or house in the fall is your relationship with your roommates. I got lucky. I met my current roommates on Facebook, when we all just needed a place to live, and now they are four of my best friends.

If you are living with people who are already your friends, it is important to work hard to keep that relationship in tact. Whether it’s about whose turn it is to vacuum the living room or who didn’t empty the dishwasher, there will be arguments in your home. It’s not always easy living harmoniously with several different people on different schedules.

But I can promise you, if you put in the effort to keep a happy environment in your house, it will definitely be worth it! A little work goes a long way, so it is important to just remember to pick up after yourself and remember that you don’t have any parents to clean up after you anymore.

Living off campus with four roommates has been the best experience I could have asked for. This article isn’t meant to scare anyone away! Just remember that with moving off campus comes a lot of independence, and you have to be prepared to seize it and make the most of it!

One last tip: buying a house pet is going to seem like the best idea you’ve ever had. Chances are, it’s not. Pets are a HUGE responsibility, so make sure you do all research necessary on the care for an animal, and make sure you talk to your landlord to see if pets are even allowed. Think before you adopt!

Headed Home For The Holidays? 5 Ways to Get Back

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No car on campus? Mom and Dad don’t want to make the round trip drive to swing by Ohio State and get you, then drive all the way home? Don’t fret! There are tons of other ways to get home for the holiday break.

1. OSU Facebook Rideshare Page

While the idea of getting into a car with a stranger might not appeal to everyone, I can say from experience the OSU rideshare page really is a great resource to use! People on the page are going everywhere from Cleveland to New York and anywhere else you could imagine. It’s a great way to make some new friends, and usually all you need to have a good time is pitch in for gas money, bring some snacks, and don’t forget all of your favorite road trip games.

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2. Greyhound Bus

The bus has kind of a bad reputation, but in reality (from experience, again), it’s actually a nice way to get places. Greyhound buses aren’t too expensive, you can go to the bathroom whenever you want, and there’s free Wi-Fi! Also, you can get a student advantage card and score some deals.

 

3. AMTRAK

Trains are pretty awesome — they are like buses but even better. Especially if you are taking it a really long distance, a train is a great option, and a lot cheaper than flying. While a train isn’t always the quickest mode of transportation, you can get food, your own car, and pretty much do whatever you could do in your dorm or any other building. The downside to taking a train — there isn’t a station in Columbus. There are a lot of train stations that are close, but you’ll probably need to take a bus to get there.

 

4. Fly: Port Columbus International Airport

Now if you live really far away, a plane is probably your best option. Although plane tickets can be pretty expensive, it’s also the fastest way to get around. Flying by yourself for the first time can be an intimidating experience, but it’s not as bad as you may think. The Columbus airport is relatively small, and very easy to navigate. Have a friend drive you to the airport or take a taxi. Just make sure you check all of the baggage guidelines and have all of your flight information ready before you leave.

 

5.  Floo Powder

Well hey- if all else fails you could give it a try.

Floo Powder. Diagonally. by roobarbcrumble