Instead of having to juggle cable, utilities, phone and rent, UNM provides it all in one package for students who live on campus.
The cost of living on campus ranges from $1,800 to $3,600 each semester. The rates include air conditioning, local calls, voice mail, cable and high-speed Internet access.
Dean of Students Randy Boeglin said the majority of students living on campus are freshmen.
"The halls are a landing platform for freshmen," he said. "They stay on campus for the first year, then move off."
This fall, 60 percent of on-campus residents are freshmen, 23 percent are sophomores, 8 percent are juniors, 4 percent are seniors, less than 1 percent are graduate students, and 2 percent are non-degree.
Alisa Alba spent her first two years living on campus. She said it was convenient being on campus, because she didn't have to find parking, and she was never late to class. She also said it was nice to have a guaranteed meal at La Posada.
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Alba said she paid $600 a month to live on campus, which saved her money on gas. But now she pays $400 a month plus utilities for off-campus housing, and she said it is much cheaper and more pleasant.
"It's nice to have your own house in a neighborhood, but I have no complaints about on-campus living," Alba said. "It was a good experience for me."
The cost of living on campus fluctuates depending on single or double occupancy and meal plans.
Dormitory rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk and bookshelf. The halls share kitchens and bathrooms.
Sarah Hinson also lived on campus during her first year as a transfer student at UNM. But Hinson stayed in apartment-style dorms with six bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living room. She said living on campus had its benefits, but there were also downfalls.
"I lived with a real witch," Hinson said. "I didn't like it because of her, basically."
She said she feels living on campus is less expensive and more convenient.
Hinson said living off campus created more of an expense, and she lost a lot more time.
For students wanting to live off campus, the Student Services Center has a Web site listing properties for rent that include one or two bedroom apartments, houses and rooms. Prices and property features are also listed.
