Because each college or university features a different campus environment, the day-to-day life of students varies widely from one school to another. (72)The following sections describe some of the most common features of student life at four-year colleges and universities.
(73)Students live in a Variety of settings at four-year colleges and universities, depending on the regulations of the institution and its location. Some institutions require that undergraduate students live in college- or university-approved housing, especially during their first and second years. At other institutions, students may live either on or off campus. Off-campus housing may be in privately owned or independently operated boarding houses, apartments, or rooms. Some students organize their own cooperative living arrangements and jointly rent apartments or houses to reduce housing and food expenses.
Students who live away from home during their college or university years typically experience a major turning point in their lives that has little to do with academics or professional training. (74)Most first-year students welcome this increased independence, although many also find that living away from home, family, and friends can introduce unexpected challenges. (75)Campus provide common settings for students to form. new bonds with those who share similar experiences.