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OC Housing: It’s Time for a Change

By: Andrew Biggers

While forcing students to live on campus throughout their college career, Oklahoma Christian University fails to provide worthwhile housing options.

The university charges a steep $2,235 fee for standard housing each semester. Totaling up to $4,470 per year, it is evident the value in living on Oklahoma Christian’s campus is completely disproportionate with the current housing cost. Based on personal experience, observation and constructive criticism, Oklahoma Christian needs to improve the current standard housing options.

Like many students, I assumed I would reside in Wilson East this year. An email was sent on Aug. 1, and it stated Wilson East was being renovated and would not be ready until September or October. This meant students who were originally registered to reside in Wilson East would need temporary housing.

Charging $1,990 for the temporary housing, the school placed many students in the Fails and Warlick dorms. What the university did not realize was renovating Wilson East would take much longer than just a month or two. As many did, I remained in the Warlick dorms for the entire fall 2018 semester.

Early on, it became very clear to me something needed to change.

Whether Oklahoma Christian decides to lower the cost of housing or vastly improve the current facilities, serious changes need to be implemented. My roommate and I lived on the second floor and shared a bathroom with several other students. Between the uncontrollable room temperature, multiple wasp encounters and nightmarish plumbing issues, there was not much to love about this antiquated college dorm. For nearly $4,000, one might think payment would ensure a warm shower and a room that was not consistently hotter than summer in Tahiti.

Improving the current facilities should be of the utmost importance for Residence Life. When a student or family makes the financial sacrifices necessary to attend Oklahoma Christian, basic living essentials should be provided. When students dread going back to their room, something is seriously wrong.

Not only does faulty housing hinder the school, but it also creates an unenthused student body. No matter how affluent a university is, an unhappy student body makes for serious financial trouble.

While Oklahoma Christian does offer excellent premium housing, such as University House, it fails to meet the needs of the average student residing in standard housing.

How can Oklahoma Christian be a real home for students when it lacks the necessities which comprise a basic home?

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