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This question suits me. I lived through this question in my sophomore year of college. It started when I pleaded and begged with my parents to allow me to move off-campus with my friend Ebony. I knew Ebony since middle school. We were raised as sisters and had planned our entire educational career together. She started to date her boyfriend Darnell in high school. After Darnell came into Ebony’s life it’s been the three of us instead of two. Ebony is what I call a himacholic actually, a “darnelaholic”. You can’t detach him nor her from each other. The extreme I can’t sleep, eat, or hang out without you love is cute. However, their relationship impedes on my time and Ebony and I study sessions.

One night I mentioned to Darnell that he has not left our apartment in three days. I was a little rude in reminding him of his unwanted stay but he didn’t flinch. They fight day and night which is one of the disturbances to the apartment. I just want to read in quiet and have my best friend to help me study so we can make some money. However, she refuses to let Darnell go home.

Darnell does not clean up after his self. He refuses to put the toilet seat down after he uses the bathroom. He continues to open doors without knocking. More than one occasion he almost caught me naked. I am tired of his presence and I wish he would go.

I spoke with Ebony about my feelings and she flatly told me that I can go if I’m not happy. My mind went quiet. I had no clue what to do or how to feel. All feelings left me and I was numb until she added that she wants Darnell to move in.

Ebony willingly replaced our friendship with Darnell. I spoke with my mom about Ebony’s behavior and she told me that I have to move on. That she will come around and learn from her mistakes. However, where am I supposed to live until she comes to that conclusion?

I’m back on campus. I thought I left the cafeteria food and loud neighbors behind for good. I replaced one nuisance for a dozen. Hence, my best advice to your question is to work hard toward your dreams so that you won’t have to rely on anyone for peace of mind. Until then, move on or suck it up.

Private college apartments are fully furnished, with wall-to-wall carpet, large bathroom, single bedroom, and spacious tile counter top kitchen set. Private college apartments are comfort kingdoms. The new sense of freedom and alone space makes a college dorm feel like a penthouse.

In some colleges nice apartments are segregated exclusively for honor students. There are colleges that provide equal quality homes for all students save freshmen dormitories. Upperclassmen college apartments are equipped with cable, high-speed internet connection, manual heating systems and private laundry facilities for each floor. The small or big con depending on a person’s size is the tall twin size bed. I have not met a college student that lived on campus that had a bigger bed than a twin size.

College apartments differ in having private or shared kitchen, living, and bathroom quarters. Shared kitchen, bathroom, and living/recreational room are common in universities and colleges. Normally, freshman dorms are less attractive than upperclassmen housing because living areas are shared. Students may share living quarters with one, two or thirty students. It depends on college campus housing procedures.

Freshman dorms tend to be over packed and messy due to students new sense of responsibility and freedom. A community bathroom is an added discomfort for students. Students have to move their bowels in fear. These students conceal their identity by wearing different shoes or shadow their feet while using the bathroom to hide their funk with overbearing citrus air fresheners all in one push. Young people who are not easily embarrassed can handle their digestive business openly. The showers most times are filthy; corroded with caked soap suds and hair clogging the drain. Health conscious students wear flip flops to take showers.

The kitchen area is normally disputed among the 4 to 8 chefs in the dormitory. Many students eat cafeteria food or eat out. The cooks of the dorm battle with each other for using cooking utensils without permission or not cleaning up after cooking. Kitchen battles are rare.

The living/recreational room area has the least amount of conflict. The living room is meant for gatherings and chill outs. However, the television is a problem. Some students watch three episodes of their liking in a two hour sitting. Students are prone to get into arguments over entertainment. Many students have their own television to avoid the hassle of watching a shared television set.

Private and shared college apartments are better than the projects. Projects is a slang term that describes poor housing conditions low-income families endure such as urinated elevators, and rodent and roach infested buildings. Save the infestation and urine there are college apartments that match the non care look of projects. However, the real government subsidized homes hence project apartment’s levels of quality can be rated on a scale of luxury to peasantry. Large universities like the University of Buffalo have horrendous living quarters. The stair cases are dark and gloomy. The dorms have paint chipping away. The toilet and shower looks like they haven’t been replace in over 30 years. The dorms look old and worn out.

The above college housing descriptions are examples of housing I’ve experienced. Please share your college living experiences in the comment section.

Fort Lauderdale- is in the proximity of Miami and Palm Beach making this city an exciting fun filled place to live or visit. There are plenty of night spots and live entertainment venues. The water is the hottest commodity in Fort Lauderdale. Most activities include water such as glass bottom boat rides, sport fishing excursions, scuba diving or beach bumming. Las Olas Boulevard strip have a variety of art museums, festivals, galleries, shops, and restaurants. For public transportation the Browarrd County Transit public bus system is available daily or you can take advantage of the Sun-Trolley that runs every 15 minutes to half an hour. However, to get around comfortably you must drive. Traffic is heavy and unpredictable. The temperature averages between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Apartments varies is cost. Residents feel overall housing is expensive. One thousand may get you a small apartment. Cheaper apartments are government subsidized homes aka projects (ghettos).

Jacksonville- Is full of warmth, comfort and crime. Crime rate has increased to one murder a day. Although, residents claim one is safe by avoiding night travels and lone shopping. Couple and families reside in Jacksonville. This city has a play and chill atmosphere. Shopping areas are bland and small. The winter temperature is 50 degree Fahrenheit and the summer range between mid 80’s to 90 degree Fahrenheit. Driving is essential. Most residents spend their leisure time on the beach. There are dozens of parks and recreation facilities. Apartment costs are mixed. There are a lot of condos but most are expensive. There is major road construction which causes traffic. Traffic is norm problem and unpredicted. Although, Jacksonville is filled with restaurants there are hardly any diners. Residents are concerned about the increasing amount of trees that are cut down. Jacksonville is known for large trees but they are being cut down at an alarming rate.

Miami- has to be the most popular tropical city to visit. Miami is highly known for its beach. The weather is pleasant daily. No public transportation offered driving is a must. The large city vibe enhances the urban entertainment and nightlife community. Apartment rent between $800 to $1500. Miami has a big bug problem especially in older apartment complex. If you plan to work near the beach you can manage without a car. Tons of clubs and bar spots. Shopping for clothes and household needs vary in price. You have to learn where to shop for bargains and places that match your wants.

Orlando- Is the creative and fantasy land. When you think of Orlando you think of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and great eateries. Disney could be the reason for the traffic. The climate is hot during the day and chilly at night. Orlando has two public transportation service Lnyx System and the green trolley however, a vehicle is essential to get around. Public transportation is limited and less frequent. Housing is affordable. Shopping places are average and economical. Nights are active with gangs, homeless people, and party goers. Orlando is filled with bars. Foot patrol officers are on guard during night events so it’s pretty safe.

The Florida Keys- Is a land for learning. Major learning activities such as underwater park, wild bird rehabilitation, dolphin research center, art museums, etc. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and restaurants. Have a lot of business activity. Driving is a must. High cost of living. The average temperature is 77.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Families and couples reside in the Keys. Leisure time is spent near the water boating, fishing and diving.

Tampa Bay- Family oriented place. Plenty of sporting events, museums, art galleries, and amusement parks. The temperature fluctuates between 71 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of humidity. Driving is essential for daily life tasks. There is public transportation, Jolley Trolley Transportation System, that provides rides directly to and from the beach however, you need a car to get around. Housing is expensive. Mild party community. Great shopping malls and recreational facilities.

Tallahassee (Florida Capital)- Open fields of greenery and flowers. The temperature range between 80 to 90 degree Fahrenheit weather. Tallahassee has an efficient transit system that operates 31 routes which cover majority of the city. However, a car makes life easier to get around. Some affordable housing. Taxes are high. Great tasty restaurants. Night hang outs are bars and clubs. Moderate crime. Decent police presence.

St. Augustine- have beautiful large golf courses. The weather averages between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Driving makes life comfortable but trolleys run every 15 minutes yet tourists are the main passengers. Frequent flooding problems. There is some property crime. Housing cost is mixed.

Pensacola- white sand beaches which is the only rare and exciting thing in the city. Residents feel Pensacola is too laid back and slowly developing. A lot of religious activities. The temperature is warm and breezy however, summer temperature can reach high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) provides public bus and trolley service for St. Augustine residents but mostly everyone drives. Nice and bad areas. You can find affordable housing. Decent stores and restaurants. Not many night spots.

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Your AS Team