There are plenty of ups and downs, positives and negatives when it comes to both commuting and living on campus at AIC. I asked around and got some good answers and different points of view about both.

If you are not on campus, it can take more work and effort to access the on-campus academic resources, like the writing center or the library.

“Living off campus is a cheaper, more independent option compared to living at school,” said Maeve Denning, a student who lives off campus. “Sometimes I enjoy having my own room that I am able to decorate the way that I want.”

There are many good things about commuting to AIC, including the ability to eat home-cooked meals, being able to sleep in your own bed at night and living in the comfort of your home, and you also get to listen to your own music on the drive in.

There are some negative aspects of commuting, though: dealing with traffic, and having to wake up early so you aren’t late (or so you don’t miss the bus, if that’s your method of transportation). Being late for class is never a good thing, you could lose a letter grade, or you could get locked out of the room for the whole class period, depending on the professor.

Commuting to school may have its perks and its downsides; students who live on campus also agree that there are some good and bad aspects.

“There aren’t many options for weekend activities on campus,” said Sydney Thompson, who lives on campus.

Kayla Hunkin-Clark says that the convenience of being nearby to her classes helps.

“Living on campus is not always the greatest, but has its perks,” Clark said. “Living close to my classes is good, so I can be on time.”

Iman Dumas, who also resides on campus, spoke highly of her time living the dorm life.

“Living on campus is easy for me, because of sports and everything is close. Also, you gain a lot of time living on campus, you get to make friends on campus that are roommates and other athletes,” Dumas said. “It permits you to be more involved with the university life.” Iman Dumas, an on-campus student said.

Fellow resident Adrianne Jackson discussed what bothers her about living in the residence halls.

“Living on campus as an older grad student was difficult. Constant stomping above me, paying fines when others break or violate campus rules,” Jackson said. “And disgusting communal bathrooms,” she added.

Of course, there are many good things about living on campus – you can go to all sporting events, you get to make a lot of friends on campus or you may already have friends on campus, and you’ll be in the loop on campus activities.

Downsides that residents encounter include the fact that more often than not you’re eating at the Hive or the DC, there is limited transportation to travel if you don’t have your car on campus, and there’s always slow internet.

If you want my opinion, since I have been a commuter since my first year, I do enjoy living at home. Being able to enjoy home-cooked meals and being able to listen to my music on the way to school are great factors. I do dislike the traffic though, as it can get in the way of getting to class on time.