A down payment is needed for off-campus housing education

Few embrace a loss of direction. There comes a time where we all are off in the world independently. For some, that freedom is daunting. For others, it’s a welcome change. Whether or not one accepts the transition from living with the folks to becoming a self-reliant grownup, it seems turning onto a new road is easier than learning and adapting to the eventual drive on it.  Living on a college campus is that first turn. Moving off veers onto a second.

At Keene State College, it is common knowledge freshmen are a top priority during the housing selection process. As students climb higher into seniority, depending on KSC to provide accommodations slowly becomes less of an option, whether they like it or not.  A junior entering their final year of studies without a discernible roof over their head isn’t out of the question anymore. Neither is likening such an unfavorable situation to getting kicked to the curb.

However, an analytical lecture about students being denied placement in a residence hall is another matter entirely.

The pressing matter is dealing with the newfound position many students are finding themselves in, that of facing a brand new set of challenges outside of their comfort zone. Transferring from a mostly all-inclusive environment – a meal plan, distinctive room and board, heat and air conditioning and non-existent tax payments – to a bare-bones place waiting to be built inside from the ground up can be a demanding proposition.
If the campus provided comprehensive workshops and classes, such as informational sessions on cooking, paying bills, neighborliness and interacting with landlords, a soon-to-be off-campus student would feel far more secure about an exodus. Everyone needs to apply training wheels before stepping onto the bike. Happily living on one’s own, for a select group of individuals, can only sound reasonable after being thoroughly educated on what to expect beforehand. For the especially saddled senior, having the confidence and knowledge needed to handle themselves outside of a rigorous class schedule (and outside of campus) is particularly valuable.

The only thing worse than getting forced to live somewhere without a choice is feeling insecure about thriving in that new location. Upon arriving at a fork in the road, with a dozen arrows pointing every which way, KSC has a responsibility to launch an aggressive front to straighten them out and lead students down the right path.