Residence hall standards inflate with luxury dorm
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 08/24/2009
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Inflation is a term that is bandied about quite often with finances. But, on a college campus, inflation can apply to more than just economics. It can also apply to the persistent, substantial rise in residence hall standards.
A few years ago, Hillenbrand Hall was the up-and-coming hall of choice, as it offered suite-style housing which no other dorm had. But this year there’s a another latest-and-greatest housing option – and this new choice demonstrates housing inflation at work.
Anyone who lives, works or plays on the west side of Purdue’s campus may have noticed a new residence hall being built last year. First Street Towers, the premier luxury dorm, was anticipated by much of the University while still in the construction process during the previous school year.
Promises of single rooms, private bathrooms and other amenities had students clamoring for the chance to obtain a room in the Towers.
What comes along with these luxurious new housing conditions, however, is a hefty price tag. The minimum cost of living (a 10-meal plan) in First Street Towers amounts to a whopping $13,825 for the year, and the numbers only go up from there. The next most expensive hall in which to live is Hillenbrand: a 10-meal plan residence rate ranges from about $9,000 to $12,000.
In this economy, it’s easy to feel frustrated or befuddled by such alarmingly high costs of living, and even more easy to wonder where it’s all going. But think about it: there are many things you’re paying for in a residence hall that get taken care of for you.
Cooking, for one. Residents simply stand in line for food already prepared for them. Trash cleanup needs financing as well. Bathrooms are cleaned, floors are swept and dishes are disposed of – all by the residence hall. First Street Towers’ floors also each have a lounge with flat-screen TVs and a kitchenette. Knowing this, it becomes less difficult to see where all those high rates are coming from.
So, yes, with the new luxury hall comes the idea of bigger-and-better. Residence hall inflation will unquestionably continue as more students arrive at Purdue in the future. The best way to handle the new dorms and higher rates, though, is to understand where all that money is going. That way, the luxury can be fully appreciated with no spite against the new halls.