Spring Break
Co-ops vs. Greek Life: Costs, lifestyles and choices
Compare and contrast living environments on campus
Lauren Sigel
Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: News
When considering housing options, there are many choices for OSU students to pick from. Two of these choices are becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority or joining a co-op. There are many differences between the two of them, but there are also similarities.
For those who wish to stay on campus, consider cooperative housing. All four of OSU's co-ops are run by University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) and offer a style of living similar to the one sorority and fraternity members enjoy.
There are three women's houses (Azalea House, Dixon Lodge and Oxford House) and one men's house (Avery Lodge). The average capacity for co-ops numbers between 40 to 65 students, depending on which house it is.
According to the UHDS website, cooperative housing is also the cheapest housing option on campus with an average cost of $1,544 a term (including meals) compared to $2,599 a term to live in a residence hall with a preferred meal plan.
The financial aspect of co-op life was the main appeal for Peter McClure, a member of Avery lodge and a sophomore majoring in French and education; however, the added social benefits of living in a house with 50 other students was also a bonus, he said.
"When I was looking at housing options as a freshman, I was looking for the cheapest option for on-campus housing and decided that living in a co-op would be my best bet," McClure said. "The financial aspect was the main reason I joined Avery, but all the social aspects turned out to be pretty cool as well. I've made a lot of good friends living here."
The reason that co-ops are cheaper than residence hall housing is that members of a co-op must sign up for three chores a term.
The longer a student is a member of a co-op, the more term points they receive, which gives them seniority when choosing what chores they sign up for. McClure admits that this is a negative aspect of co-op life, but a small factor compared to the benefits.
"It's really annoying when people don't do their chores properly because then the rest of us have to deal with a bathroom that hasn't been cleaned very well or a dirty kitchen," McClure said. "But other than that, it's really nice that we are still on campus. I feel that we are much more connected with campus events compared to someone who lives off campus."
For those who wish to stay on campus, consider cooperative housing. All four of OSU's co-ops are run by University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) and offer a style of living similar to the one sorority and fraternity members enjoy.
There are three women's houses (Azalea House, Dixon Lodge and Oxford House) and one men's house (Avery Lodge). The average capacity for co-ops numbers between 40 to 65 students, depending on which house it is.
According to the UHDS website, cooperative housing is also the cheapest housing option on campus with an average cost of $1,544 a term (including meals) compared to $2,599 a term to live in a residence hall with a preferred meal plan.
The financial aspect of co-op life was the main appeal for Peter McClure, a member of Avery lodge and a sophomore majoring in French and education; however, the added social benefits of living in a house with 50 other students was also a bonus, he said.
"When I was looking at housing options as a freshman, I was looking for the cheapest option for on-campus housing and decided that living in a co-op would be my best bet," McClure said. "The financial aspect was the main reason I joined Avery, but all the social aspects turned out to be pretty cool as well. I've made a lot of good friends living here."
The reason that co-ops are cheaper than residence hall housing is that members of a co-op must sign up for three chores a term.
The longer a student is a member of a co-op, the more term points they receive, which gives them seniority when choosing what chores they sign up for. McClure admits that this is a negative aspect of co-op life, but a small factor compared to the benefits.
"It's really annoying when people don't do their chores properly because then the rest of us have to deal with a bathroom that hasn't been cleaned very well or a dirty kitchen," McClure said. "But other than that, it's really nice that we are still on campus. I feel that we are much more connected with campus events compared to someone who lives off campus."
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Franny
posted 2/13/09 @ 1:48 AM PST
I lived in the Azalea House 99-01 and I loved it! I met so many people (study buddies & life-long friends), had a wonderful time living there (chores & all), loved the social events so much I became a social chair, and was proud of the Azalea traditions. (Continued…)
Blaine Noel
posted 2/17/09 @ 5:18 PM PST
Beaver Lodge is still alive and well. As I recall, it was marginally cheaper than the University owned housing. I'm willing to bet that Varsity is doing just fine, as well. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 2/18/09 @ 9:24 AM PST
I lived in Heckart from 88 to 92, and was sad to learn that it was closed, along with Reed, a few years ago. It was a great experience and I gained life-long friends as a result of my goal to find the cheapest place to live on campus. (Continued…)
Post a Comment
Comments by registered users are approved by default.