We are writing in response to your article entitled, "To Dorm or not to Dorm." The article discussed the supposed benefits of either living or not living in the residence halls. The facts and figures used were on the extreme high end of rates. The rates used for off-campus housing seemed just unrealistic. The cost of residence hall life is stretched to the max in this article. The sample price used was for a double single room. Obviously, a double single room will cost more than a normal double room. The majority of people who reside in the residence halls live in a double room. That is the first part of this list of rates that can be lowered. The next cost that is stretched to the max is the reported price of an RPS meal plan. The plan used is called the Mega Plan. The Mega Plan is the very top of the meal plan and is not the normal plan purchased by students. The plans that are the most popular among students range from hundreds to close to a $1,000 cheaper than the Mega Plan. This is now the second cost of residence hall life that can be drastically lowered. Our next cost is the $1,000 that is stated as miscellaneous. We would love to have specifics of exactly how $1,000 dollars was decided as a block of money for miscellaneous needs and exactly what these miscellaneous needs include. All dining is covered by the meal plan, as are almost all of a resident's grocery needs. There are also many ways to decrease your costs of living in the residence halls. If you want to volunteer some time and effort, there are programs such as co-op living and leadership positions that lower housing rates.\nThe off-campus numbers just seem unrealistic for a few different reasons. First and foremost, the house used in the article ... houses six students. If you divide housing costs by six people, it will seem low. A house with six students also violates the Bloomington City ordinance regarding how many people can live in a single house. From the information provided, this is not even a legal housing arrangement. The first number mentioned says it includes rent, gas and water. Where are the electricity charges? If that was included then please mention that. Also, the quote stating that they liked living off campus because they do not have to pay for laundry is false. You are paying a water bill off campus instead of paying per load in the residence halls. The majority of off-campus houses will not include electricity. Due to the fact that this house is in violation of Bloomington City rules, it is not a reliable example of possible costs for someone living off campus. \nLiving in the residence halls provides students with the opportunity to get involved in many leadership roles and live in a community that is welcoming to them. The vast numbers of different options a student has when living in the residence halls are a rare opportunity. IU is the second largest housing system in the Big Ten. The opportunity for friendship, activities and comfortable and affordable living is endless in the residence halls. The IU Residence Halls Association was very disappointed in the facts presented in the article. We would have liked the IDS to have checked on what the normal costs were for residence hall students to give the reader a more realistic voice to the story. We hope that in the future you contact us to give you the most up to date and realistic information for living in the residence halls.
Andrew Walker\nDirector of media relations on behalf of the Residence Halls Association
