3/12/2004

Commuting not necessarily the cheapest option

Scott R. Galvin
Daily Kent Stater

Living far from campus saves money. Or does it?

The old adage “time is money” comes to mind when you remember that a 15-minute drive to campus takes a fair amount of time – and gas.

Natalie Kontur, senior interior design major, has lived in many places in and around Kent State, including the residence halls, Holly Park Apartments and Hudson. Kontur now lives in Ravenna.

“I really hate driving all the way home, I just end up staying with some friends a lot,” she said.

However, Kontur said there are advantages to living far from campus.

“Rent is about the same, but we have a nicer house than anyone I know,” Kontur said. “We are closer to the freeway to get home.”

She added that there are disadvantages as well.

“I am always late to class,” she said. “Winter sucks because I live on backroads. It’s just horrible.”

Some students choose to live close to campus for the convenience.

“It’s easier to get to campus and is within walking distance,” said senior English major Katie Banks, who lives at College Towers. “It is easier for us to get around without having to figure out the busses. It would be more of a pain to take the busses than just walk everywhere.

“One roommate didn’t have a car at the time, so that was a big factor in choosing a place close,” Banks said.

Within a one-mile radius of Kent State there are more than a dozen fast food restaurants and about seven pizza shops. Kontur said students who live in Kent take these things for granted.

“When I lived close to campus, I didn’t have to use a car as much because I could just walk,” Kontur said. “It’s hard to find a good pizza place that delivers.”

E-mail: sgalvin@kent.edu