As the semester nears an end, some Southern Miss students are expressing mixed feelings about the school’s on-campus residency requirement for freshmen.
While there are exceptions to the requirement—such as living with a guardian within 50 miles, being married, or having children—some students were unaware of these options. Freshman Gabrielle Cox said she did not know about the exemptions and ended up paying for campus housing. Now, she is attempting to move off campus for the spring semester but faces the possibility of a fee for not notifying the housing department earlier in the fall. The fee could exceed $2,000.
“I don’t want to pay a fine to stay in my own house,” Cox said.
Cox has submitted an “appeal to cancellation fee” to avoid the charge, providing reasons why she believes she should not have to remain in the dorm. While some students say living on campus helps freshmen adjust to college life, Cox feels it has placed a financial burden on her.
“If I lived at home, I would have been able to save more money throughout the school year and not spend all of my scholarships and money I got for graduation,” she said.
Other freshmen have had a different experience. Nykenah Stallworth said she enjoys living in a dorm because it offers a full college experience. However, she also acknowledged why the requirement could be a concern for some students.
“I understand the negatives because some students will be in their room all day and have a hard time maintaining a social life,” Stallworth said. “Living on campus pushes students to make friends, go out, and be more social, but it shouldn’t be a requirement.”
While some freshmen face challenges related to the cost of living on campus, discomfort with shared spaces, and missing home, others appreciate the sense of community it provides.
