Hey
Not too long ago I got accepted into the Roosevelt Academy (http://www.roac.nl), which is a new and prestigious university in Middelburg, capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. The city itself is really old and population is not dense whatsoever. Roosevelt Academy opened its doors for students just one year ago, which means I will be part of the second draft ever. It is the only educational institution in the city for students, meaning that student life, stores and what not have yet to be established or are currently being established.
So here I am, having to decide on what housing I want. The Academy itself provides the rooms for students, which means you don't have to go looking yourself. This is of course a major plus. But right now I find myself not sure of what option of housing I want to choose.
These are the four options I have to choose from (before July 1st!):
1. Student home for 10 people. This is a large student home with two bathrooms.
Advantages: I become more socially involved (I am rather introvert and not much of a people's person; living in this house means I will have to deal with people more frequently which is good for my people's skills), having other students around is a stimulus (I won't be tempted too easily to go do other things when other people are working hard). Within walking distance (+- 5 to 10 minutes) of the university and most other important buildings and facilities within the city. Microwave and fridge are provided. Cleaning service is included in the costs, meaning I only have to cleam my own room + kitchen and not the common area and bathroom.
Disadvantages: Many people so naturally it's rather noisy and crowded. And with many people there, the chance is bigger that you are put in a home with someone you really really can't stand (but also a bigger chance of finding a friend for life, I guess). Little space per person in the fridge. Have to share the kitchen and sanitary facilities with way too many people. No rent allowance possible.
2. Student home for 16 people. Located in the same street as the home for 10 people, but it has three bathrooms and naturally is more crowded and noisy, but also more people to bond with. Same advantages and disadvantages apply.
3. Single-room apartment in a former old people's home. Right now, the building consists of student units and rooms for elderly people who still live there.
Advantages: Rent allowance possible. It's nice and quiet. Everything in walking distance as well, though I think this building is slightly farther away than the other location.
Disadvantages: No stimulus from other students whatsoever, the likelihood of being isolated and not doing what you are expected to do (i.e. doing things like watching tv or chatting rather than doing assignments etc.). I have pretty much ruled this option out, cause I really don't think it will do me any good.
4. Twin-room apartment in the old people's home as well.
Advantages: If you get along with the other person, you can have a great time there. It's nice and quiet and you can support each other, plus split costs and household chores. Rent allowance possible, making this option considerably cheaper than options 1 and 2.
Disadvantages: No cleaning service included. If you don't get along with the other person, you are stuck there and have no one else to fall back on or to get along with. No fridge, microwave or other stuff provided, meaning this will have to be bought (costs can be split obviously). There is a risk of still becoming isolated from the group.
To be honest, I am currently focusing only on the student home for ten people and the twin-room apartment. I am really stuck right now though and I was hoping that maybe some of you could give me your penny's worth, personal experiences and advice.
And yes, I know I have to make up my mind myself, but I just want to know if I am forgetting certain sides to the story and if people talk from their own experiences, that definitely helps.
Thanks a lot
____________
Martijn
Not too long ago I got accepted into the Roosevelt Academy (http://www.roac.nl), which is a new and prestigious university in Middelburg, capital of the Dutch province of Zeeland. The city itself is really old and population is not dense whatsoever. Roosevelt Academy opened its doors for students just one year ago, which means I will be part of the second draft ever. It is the only educational institution in the city for students, meaning that student life, stores and what not have yet to be established or are currently being established.
So here I am, having to decide on what housing I want. The Academy itself provides the rooms for students, which means you don't have to go looking yourself. This is of course a major plus. But right now I find myself not sure of what option of housing I want to choose.
These are the four options I have to choose from (before July 1st!):
1. Student home for 10 people. This is a large student home with two bathrooms.
Advantages: I become more socially involved (I am rather introvert and not much of a people's person; living in this house means I will have to deal with people more frequently which is good for my people's skills), having other students around is a stimulus (I won't be tempted too easily to go do other things when other people are working hard). Within walking distance (+- 5 to 10 minutes) of the university and most other important buildings and facilities within the city. Microwave and fridge are provided. Cleaning service is included in the costs, meaning I only have to cleam my own room + kitchen and not the common area and bathroom.
Disadvantages: Many people so naturally it's rather noisy and crowded. And with many people there, the chance is bigger that you are put in a home with someone you really really can't stand (but also a bigger chance of finding a friend for life, I guess). Little space per person in the fridge. Have to share the kitchen and sanitary facilities with way too many people. No rent allowance possible.
2. Student home for 16 people. Located in the same street as the home for 10 people, but it has three bathrooms and naturally is more crowded and noisy, but also more people to bond with. Same advantages and disadvantages apply.
3. Single-room apartment in a former old people's home. Right now, the building consists of student units and rooms for elderly people who still live there.
Advantages: Rent allowance possible. It's nice and quiet. Everything in walking distance as well, though I think this building is slightly farther away than the other location.
Disadvantages: No stimulus from other students whatsoever, the likelihood of being isolated and not doing what you are expected to do (i.e. doing things like watching tv or chatting rather than doing assignments etc.). I have pretty much ruled this option out, cause I really don't think it will do me any good.
4. Twin-room apartment in the old people's home as well.
Advantages: If you get along with the other person, you can have a great time there. It's nice and quiet and you can support each other, plus split costs and household chores. Rent allowance possible, making this option considerably cheaper than options 1 and 2.
Disadvantages: No cleaning service included. If you don't get along with the other person, you are stuck there and have no one else to fall back on or to get along with. No fridge, microwave or other stuff provided, meaning this will have to be bought (costs can be split obviously). There is a risk of still becoming isolated from the group.
To be honest, I am currently focusing only on the student home for ten people and the twin-room apartment. I am really stuck right now though and I was hoping that maybe some of you could give me your penny's worth, personal experiences and advice.
And yes, I know I have to make up my mind myself, but I just want to know if I am forgetting certain sides to the story and if people talk from their own experiences, that definitely helps.
Thanks a lot
____________
Martijn