Centralized campus benefits new students
It was reported Friday that Director of USC Housing Administration Joe Fortune indicated that first-year students would no longer be placed in facilities like the Roost. This is a much needed improvement. Can you imagine walking to and from the Roost, Bates House or Bates West to campus several times a day? A one-way trek from Russell House to Bates House is more than half a mile, and the same one-way trek to the Roost is almost three-quarters of a mile. Don't forget the walk to campus is almost completely uphill.
I completely agree with the idea that all freshmen should be close to campus. College marks a great change in a person's life, with class schedules and organization involvement leading to growing stress. An obstacle like a time-consuming commute provides an unnecessary obstacle and makes the transition from high school to college more difficult.
Living on the Horseshoe my freshman year was not only extremely lucky but fabulously convenient. Being literally in the center of campus made walking to class a breeze and getting anywhere on campus a short walk. Though not all of the dorms on the historic Horseshoe are of good quality, the central location makes up for any faults.
All campus housing options deserve updating, but this drive toward centralizing freshmen should be the blueprint for future renovations. USC Housing should keep improving on-campus living to not only keep older students happy, but to also impress future and first-year students by providing housing that meets their specific needs.
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