Dorm, Sweet Dorm

by Dror Baron

With the annual apartment-hunting season in full swing and the Greek winter semester rush on the near horizon, considerable discussion is taking place about the economics of the University’s dormitory and dining services. At the heart of the matter is the question, “Would students be best off sleeping and eating in the University dorms, at fraternities, or in their own private quarters?” A long exposé on dormitory dining costs, which appeared in this fine publication not too long ago, argued from a purely financial viewpoint that the students get scammed. The University overcharges, bills us for meals uneaten, and generally takes more than it gives. Such statistical analyses, however, tragically ignore the nicer things about dorm life: the perks that have no dollar value but which add considerably to the standard of living. Perks like developing close friendships in a cozy, summer-camp-like environment; being exposed to a diverse universe of people and campus activities; and not having to worry about meals and Internet connection and utility bills, or about cleaning the bathroom or the kitchen, for that matter.

Ignoring the money issue, I truly believe the dorms are ideal for first-year students. They provide a safe platform around which to build a solid social life. Sure, that sounds geeky, but just look at all those guys and gals who rush fraternities and sororities, “rushing” being a cool euphemism for “buying friends.” True, being a Greek has its unique amenities. There’s the brother/sisterhood thing, the various intramural athletic programs, and let’s not forget the hedonistic weekend ritual of drinking and partying. Other bonuses include subsidizing the Ann Arbor Police Department and getting into fights with the football team. In all seriousness, the dorms offer students many of the same athletic and social opportunities, and more — academic advising, libraries, and exercise rooms are but a few — without the initial nuisances of scrubbing bathrooms, painting The Rock, and drinking profusely just to prove that “You’re one of us, dude!”

Then there’s money, without question every student’s biggest concern, besides sex. The bottom line on dormitories is that they are expensive. This year, I’m paying more than $6,500 for my single, compared to the measly $2,300 rent I will pay for the same eight month period next year. However, that figure does not include utilities, which will add another one hundred dollars or so to the rent each month. It also doesn’t include the headache of actually remembering to pay the utilities. Then there is the crucial issue of the all-important Internet connection. Earlier in the year, I paid a one-time fee of fifty dollars or so for a speedy Ethernet hook-up through the dorm. That’s a real bargain, especially when compared to the huge installation and monthly fees associated with a purchasing a similar connection through a private company. Though a seemingly trivial issue, the predominance of e-mail and the Internet on this campus — a predominance which will only increase with time — make a fast connection (e.g., cable or Ethernet) at home indispensable.

Another financial plus of dorms is that they are a work-study Mecca, with generous pay scales and the convenience of literally working at home. Currently, dormitory cafeterias hire students at the healthy starting wage of $7.10 an hour; you won’t be paid nearly as well doing the same job anywhere else on campus. Dorm libraries, front desks, and computer sites provide additional employment right on the premises. Consequently, by taking full advantage of these vast financial resources, one could potentially earn more than $2,000 performing easy tasks without ever having to leave the cozy confines of his or her dormitory.

Finally, what a lot of it boils down to is that it’s simply worthwhile to take it easy for a couple of years in the dorms. There you can decide what you want to do and when. There are no commitments, no attached stereotypes, no pressures. It’s the perfect way to kick off an enjoyable college experience. MR

This article was published in the 20 January 1999 edition of The Michigan Review (Volume 17, Number 6).
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