Freshmen have two options: live at home with parental supervision or live under university supervision in the residence halls. After freshman year, students have more.

“I mainly moved out because [apartments offer] more room and a little more freedom,” said Jerry Zywczyk, senior sociology and criminology major. “Plus, the expense for living out of the [residence halls] isn’t that much more.”

Mason Properties owner James Mason said apartments offer more freedom to students.

“Benefits [of apartments include] privacy, less congestion, and more control over social events,” Mason said. “[Apartments] don’t have as many restrictions in regard to lifestyle. I think [students who choose to move out] want more control over personal social life and time and less congestion with people they don’t know. People want to come and go on their own time.”

At least one student finds residence hall life to be socially beneficial.

“I feel that there are a lot more students to converse with, to socialize with, to get to know from my classes,” said Tom Parenauee, sophomore computer science major.

Sophomore accountancy major Kevin Reeve also finds the residence halls more convenient.

“It’s closer to campus,” Reeve said. “Food is readily available, and it’s a great way to meet new people.”

Stephanie Wise is a city reporter for the Northern Star.