Off-campus housing is something every student looks into at some point in their college career. Thus, UA students need affordable options readily available for them so they’re not stressed out even further.

Many students end up taking on leases at places such as Hub, The District, Sol Y Luna and The Cadence, but, these places charge exorbitant premiums that make getting an apartment an excessive cost for students.

These very same places tend to offer unnecessary amenities such as rooftop pools, lavishly-furnished interiors and shower heads equipped with bluetooth speakers.

College life and living should be dedicated to school and maintaining an excellent GPA, not living in luxury.

Granted, there are many students whose parents willingly pay for these types of living arrangements, however, it is most shocking when a student piles on even more debt to afford such a lifestyle.

Since the demand for “upgraded” student living has skyrocketed, the market and real estate developers have taken full advantage. The student housing market has exploded, now encompassing $5 billion according to a blog post on Innovation Insights.

According to a Bloomberg analysis, approximately 80 percent of these off-campus spaces offer swimming pools, while only 38 percent offer dedicated study rooms .

So, what’s the point of shelling out all of this cash for luxury student living? Some students feel the need to make known their status out of pride. Irresponsibility, codependence and immaturity are also a factors because through the amenities, students can return to the “easy life” they led when they lived with their parents and didn’t have to lift a finger.

Often times, these luxury apartments lead to “Who has the biggest and baddest apartment?” and “Who can have the biggest and loudest party?” types of lifestyles.

With students choosing opulent off-campus housing over on-campus housing, the UA has to compete with such facilities in order to persuade students to live in its own.

Thus, new and expensive on-campus housing is built such as Árbol de la Vida and Likins. Where does that money come from? Could this be part of the reason the UA is hiking tuition yet again?

What ends up happening is students have to decide between luxury student housing or living somewhere that is far, unsafe, dilapidated or even hazardous to their health.

We need cheaper living for UA students. We need housing where students can not only feel safe, but also don’t have to shell out all of their income.

The luxury student housing market has essentially monopolized any sort of living around campus. If you want to live within walking distance from the UA, it’ll be at least a hefty $900 per month.

Students already pay enough with tuition, books and everything else they need to succeed in in college. Adding in an overpriced apartment only further enhances their stress and their debt.

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