All’s Fair in Love & Student Housing

by Kaylin Adamski

As I look forward to moving into one of the ancient, soon-to-be-knocked-down downtown bungalows, I realize that something is different this year.  The housing situation for students has changed.  Though I sealed the deal for my place in early spring, as August creeps on, many housing options are still available.

Soon U-Haul’s will spot Davis, like bird droppings on cars at University Mall.  Right now, students are packing up their belongings at home ready to weave them into one room with the belongings of others. Sharing a room, something I had never done growing up, is not the end of the world. I survived my first and second years with a roommate, but am happy now to have my own room.

This, my friends, is why I am lucky.  Although everyday I am thankful to be a taxpaying California citizen, I am also thankful I still have my parent’s financial support. While I pride myself on being fiscally responsible, my monetary dependency cannot be denied.  I am also lucky that through this rough patch in our economy my lifestyle has seen few alterations.

I know that some don’t have this luxury, so while tip-toeing around in the morning for an early class when your roommate is still sleeping can be annoying, it’s not the end of the world.  Having lots of roommates can be fun and cost effective.  Never a dull moment, and always someone to pick on.  More people in an apartment means more to share daily responsibilities like dishwashing, recycling, and vacuuming – which I can tell you from personal experience are not a college student’s to priorities.  More roommates equal lower rent equals less work for student or happier parents, and sometimes both!  Really it’s quite a simple equation.

These hard times will pass, but there is no escaping them now.  I’ve been around Davis awhile (my age-to-Davis residence ratio is high) and I know students will always be here, and will always need a place to live.  Eventually all the SPACE AVAILABLE and FOR LEASE signs will disappear and another school year will commence.  So to those still looking for their home away from home, find something that works for you, and someone that will work with you.  Be sure you like where you are and who you’re with.

We’re all in this together people.