University Living – The Different Decisions

“Where am I going to stay while I’m away from home?” is the question that comes to mind when moving away for university. It’s an exciting time in young students’ lives when they are given the chance to create new friends, learn new things that interest them, and gain their own independence as maturing adults by living on their own.

At St. Thomas University, there are 3 residences to choose from; Harrington Hall, Vanier Hall, and Holy Cross House. Harrington and Vanier are co-ed, and Holy Cross House is an all-female residence.

First-year student Halli Maillet chose a single room in Harrington Hall when the opportunity to pick dorm rooms arose in early 2022. She said that living in residence was the best fit for her.

“I did see all the advertisements that said “Move into residence, it’ll be amazing”, so I guess I kind of took a chance on that,” Halli explained. During her last year in high school, she saw multiple advertisements made by St. Thomas on social media such as Instagram and Facebook. These advertisements showed the different residences and students enjoying their time together in student lounges.

She continued to talk about the thoughts she had about university during middle school. “Ever since I was young I was always thinking “Oh my God, university is going to be so amazing. I’ll move into residence and make a ton of friends”, so I guess it was also to please my younger self.”

Living in residence was one of the easiest options for Halli, she doesn’t have to worry about taking public transportation to get to her classes. Everything is within walking distance, all she has to do is roll out of bed and go.

Halli said she wanted to have the full university experience, so listening to the advertisements and her younger self made her make that final decision to live in residence.

For first-year student Taylor Gillies, however, the pricing for all 3 residences was over her budget. She also looked at multiple student housing options St. Thomas had listed, but the same problem occurred.

She and her father searched for housing that was close to campus and that was within her budget. After looking at the few options she had, Taylor ultimately decided on an all-inclusive basement apartment with a monthly rent of $600.00.

“I chose to live off campus because it was a better financial decision for me,” she said. Taylor worked as a summer student at the Cambridge Narrows Library, and the money she made wasn’t enough to cover 8 months of living in residence.

Taylor also revealed that she has a sensitivity to gluten and dairy products. Living on campus and going to the meal hall didn’t seem like something that was ideal for her, as her meal options would be minimal. “It was better for me to live off campus because I’m able to make my own meals and I would have more options.”

Taylor travels to campus by car every morning and it’s only a 4-minute drive. She stays there until her last class of the day is over and then drives back to her apartment.

Many first-year students at St. Thomas have found their home away from home whether it be in residence, student housing, or in an apartment. Whatever benefits students best, they’re sure to make their living space comfortable.

Although their living experiences are different, these students will continue to grow and mature as young adults on their own and together.