For many Sacramento State students, deciding where to live can be as big a decision as deciding where to go to school.

Every living situation has its pros and cons. Some people want convenience while others need privacy. Others are only concerned about what they can afford. It’s important that students consider all these factors when deciding on a living situation.-

Everybody who’s ever considered college is familiar with on-campus housing, more affectionately referred to as the dorms. Living in the dorms is an experience many Sac State students are familiar with. Each semester, thousands of students choose the dorms as their housing option.

For just over $7,000 a year, students get to split a room with one of their peers and have access to the Campus Dining Commons, so they don’t have to live on ramen noodles and ketchup.

Since the dorms are located right on campus, their residents don’t have to deal with commuter problems like parking and can essentially wake up five minutes before class. However, they do sacrifice considerable privacy. Sharing a small room with another person can be more than some people are willing to handle, especially those accustomed to larger amounts of personal space.-

“I love the fact that I can wake up 10 minutes before class and show up in my pajamas,” said freshman Holly Villanueva. “There’s definitely a privacy problem, though. Sometimes I wish I had my own room, but I guess you give up privacy for the opportunity to meet new people.”-

One of the most popular housing options is the shared house or apartment. This is a good option for people looking for a bit more independence.

The costs are generally slightly cheaper than living in the dorms once you factor in utilities, gas and groceries. Dealing with roommates can be difficult at times, especially when the end of the month comes around and somebody ends up short of rent.

Personality conflicts and issues with cleanliness or a willingness to do chores can add to this stress, however, the freedoms associated with living in a house or apartment are often worth the hassle. –

Many students who may find themselves entirely fed up with the shared living situation, end up ditching their roommates to rent their own place.

While this offers total privacy and complete independence, it can also be an extreme financial burden. Having your own place in Sacramento means paying upwards of $650 in rent alone. Add other expenses and you could end up on a thousand dollar monthly budget. That’s an awful lot of money for most students, even for those who make more than minimum wage.

If you plan on taking this route, be prepared to have no social life. Working 30 hours a week and studying for 20 leaves little time for fun.-

Senior Shoree Green knows all about what it takes to live by herself. She makes considerable sacrifices to live alone in a duplex.-

“I work three jobs and go to school full time,” she said. “My social life is restricted to people I go to school with.”-

Of course, for many students, especially locals, there’s always the option of living with your parents. Staying at home is by far the least glamorous and least exciting way to begin the college experience.

It’s also the cheapest.

Living at home gives you the option of eating three square meals a day, working part-time, focusing as much attention as necessary on classes and still having enough dough to go out on the weekends.

Not every student has this option.

If you do, you should take advantage of it. If the idea of living with your parents past the ripe old age of 18 seems embarrassing, then think of how it might feel to live on your own for a while then run out of money and be forced to move back.