by Jeremy Hunt
Daily Lobo
Living on campus is an experience every college student should have, said Randy Boeglin, director of Residence Life.
Boeglin said living in the dorms helps students become well-rounded.
"It's part of that whole helping one grow and develop in a holistic sense," he said. "We want them to live a self-authored life. What's more powerful than a self-authored life?"
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On-campus housing is convenient, and it encourages graduation, said Provost Reed Dasenbrock.
"People who stay in the dorms graduate at higher rates than people who don't live in the dorms," he said. "It's not the only factor, but it is a factor."
Residence Life's ultimate goal is student success, Boeglin said.
"The students' academic experience is being complemented by out-of-classroom growth experiences," he said. "We're always trying to help students."
Boeglin said freshmen who live in the dorms are 10 percent more likely to return to school for their sophomore year.
Living off campus has its benefits, but it doesn't compare to the unique experience of the dorms, said Teresa Ortiz, area coordinator for Residence Life.
"You have your own freedom and space and stuff (off campus), but here you have the opportunity of meeting people that you wouldn't in an apartment complex," she said.
Ortiz said the most common reason students give for living off campus is that it's cheaper than the dorms.
The cost of the dorms, which starts at $4,100 per academic year, is a package deal with amenities such as utilities, Boeglin said.
"That includes basic cable television and Internet access," he said. "If you look at it from that total bundled package point of view, we are
competitive."
Entering freshmen are required to buy a meal plan, which costs between $1,360 and $2,920 per academic year, Ortiz said.
"We want to make sure you're not living on Ramen," she said.
Only upperclassmen who live in Redondo Village Apartments or the Student Residence Center are not required to buy a meal plan.
Living on campus is the best transition for students living with their parents, Boeglin said.
"They offer you a chance to test your independence in a fairly safe environment," he said. "If you go beyond appropriate boundaries, we do have rules and regulations."
The restrictions forbid gambling, candles, alcohol and pets except fish in a 15 gallon or less tank.
There are quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Student Ryan Price said he doesn't mind the dorm rules or having a resident adviser keep an eye on him.
"You can always go off campus," he said.
The resident advisers are supportive and helpful to students, Price said.
Price said he plans to live on campus next semester because he likes what the dorms offer.
"You're in a social atmosphere. It's easy to get to know people," he said. "It's just a fun place to live."
Student Randi Valdez said she enjoyed living on campus for her first year of college, but it's more expensive than living off campus.
"I think it's too much," she said. "That's why I decided to move off."
Valdez said she has to pay for a meal plan that she doesn't need.
"That just raises the price altogether, and it's not worth it," she said.
Price said nothing gets new students better accustomed to UNM than living on campus.
"Especially if you're a freshman, it really helps you get into the environment of college," he said. "It's a good way to get to know campus."
