Saint Xavier University, home of the Cougars, and a second home to almost 4 thousand students. During the Fall 2021 semester, 3,749 students were enrolled, including myself.
Like most students, I drive to class each morning and return home later that day. While I would prefer to live on campus, (listening to your siblings argue over who’s stronger doesn’t help anyone focus while studying) it does make more sense to live at home from a financial standpoint.
While the fifteen minute drive and finding a parking spot takes another fifteen minutes, the inconvenience of commuting is nothing compared to the financial burden of living on campus.
Would my commute be thirty seconds if I lived on campus? Yes! There would never be any traffic or freight trains on my way. But I would also have to take out a loan in order to afford the room and board fees in addition to my tuition and books.
As did most students, I chose to live at home and become a commuter student. I leave early in the morning, pack a lunch, and stay till late in the evening, often spending time in the library.
While most of my time is spent with flashcards in my hands, I’m always trying to get involved on campus and participate in various activities.
However, as a commuter, I feel restricted in participating in campus activities. While some take place in the Warde Academic Center, many take place within the residence halls.
While I may not live on campus, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I don’t want to participate in those activities.
For example, every Tuesday night, students living at Pacelli can partake in weekly study sessions. These study sessions are posted each week on the Den and take place in the Pacelli Lounge.
Myself, along with many students, I’d enjoy being able to participate in these study sessions. I’m always looking for someone to study with me, meet new people, form new connections, and potentially make new friends.
However, because I choose to save thousands of dollars by living at home, I’m restricted from not only that activity, but any activities held by resident assistants due to the location.
According to Saint Xavier University’s website, throughout the five residence halls, the university can only provide housing for five hundred and fifty five students.
As of last semester, the university could only provide housing for up to 15% of their students. Yet, several on campus activities are constricted to the 15% who live on campus.
Wednesday, Feb. 16th, there are three events taking place that can only be attended by students who live on campus. The first one is decorating cupcakes and begins at 4pm.
This event is being held in the link, a part of campus only residence hall students have access to. This event is then followed by a diversity puzzle event held in the Pacelli lounge, with an evening Chex Mix and Chat held in the Morris Lounge, and then a study session held in the Pacelli lounge.
For those who live on campus, I hope they have a wonderful time should they choose to attend these events.
For commuter students like myself, I wish I could join without waiting for another student to let me in the building.
While ensuring students are safe on campus is of the utmost importance, why can’t commuter students gain access to residential halls?
Before the pandemic, anyone could walk into the Warde Academic Center and if they wanted to, they could walk around the building, listen to lectures, or potentially hurt someone.
If before the pandemic began, anyone could walk into the Warde Academic Center as they pleased, why can’t students gain access to residential halls so they can participate in various campus activities?
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