Living in the residence halls means more than “mystery” cafeteria food and cramped quarters.

Students make friendships living in the residence halls that sometimes last a lifetime, learn about making compromises and the advantages of living in residence halls over apartments.

While apartments offer freedom and a choice of roommates, there is the disadvantage of cooking the meals, the extra expenses of luxuries such as cable TV and there is sometimes the inconvenience of locations.

“Looking at everything altogether, the halls are definitely cheaper, which most students don’t think about,” said John Felver, associate director of Student Housing Services.

Felver added that in these days when people are concerned about safety, the residence halls always have somebody on duty to help out if situations are “out of control.”

“What parents feel comfortable with is that there’s supervision from full-time professionals with masters,” Felver said

The biggest feedback Felver said he receives about the residence halls is how people meet their friends through living in the halls.

You really get to meet people because everyone’s in the same boat,” he said.

There is rarely a lack of activities according to Felver.

“The RAs help the students out and organize volleyball tournaments, floor fueds and similiar activities,” Felver said.

Other hall activities include movie nights, sports competitions, dances and various forums on controversial issues.

Another advantage of living in the residence halls is that there are computers located in most that help students complete their assignments without the inconvenience of a typewriter.

There is also a variety of different floors students can choose from, ranging from political science floors, over 21, quiet lifestyle floors to foreign language floors. This variety of floors helps accomodate the diverse population at NIU.

If a student is interested in making a few extra dollars, they can either work for the food service or at one of the main desks.

While most students leave the residence halls by their junior or senior year, many end up rooming with friends they made while living there. It might not be Caesar’s Palace and the food is by no means four-star, but there are more pros than cons with living in the residence halls.