College campus life sure has changed
Things sure have changed. I attended college during the late 1960s and early 1970s, finishing up at what was then California State College. I stayed on campus in one of the several dormitories. In fact, I was ensconced in Clyde Hall, one of the more modern residence buildings at that time.
I enjoyed the freedom. It was the first time I lived away from home. I still had the safety net of returning home on weekends, where I stocked up on food and did my laundry (yes, I did my own laundry rather than asking mom to do it). Sundays meant a return to my pod at the school.
What was the experience like?
Well, there was nothing fancy about the room. I shared it with another student. It was one, small, open room with two desks, two closets and two small dressers. The desks and dressers with mirrors were bolted to the floor and wall. The two beds were basically not much more than cots. It had concrete block walls, which were painted, and metal conduit pipe, through which wiring ran for the three lights in the room (one overhead and one each at the desks).
Was there a bathroom? Yes. Down the hall and to the right, one common bath with shower stalls, toilets, etc., that all the guys used. (No girls in our dorm at that time – it was all male. In fact girls were only allowed in on very special days and then the dorm room doors had to be open.)
Any modesty you might have arrived with left very quickly.
Shift to today.
I read an article in the Herald-Standard recently about a situation in California, where the college is located (today it is California University of Pennsylvania). Borough officials are concerned that overflow students from the campus are increasing demand for rentals in the community, and, in turn, eroding the tax base.
Curiosity got the best of me because the story detailed how the college has built six new residence halls. So, I went to the university’s Web site, hoping to find more information on how students live on campus today.
Well, according to the Web site, it sure ain’t nothin’ like when I was there.
No more are they called dorms but now they are residence halls. No longer are they called rooms but now they are suites.
In fact, the college advertises them as “The Suite Life,’ promising “flexible units that are larger and more spacious than the average ‘dorm’ room, with many of the amenities found in full-scale apartments. Most suites have a completely furnished common living-room area so you will feel right at home,’ according to the Web site.
Students can also request specific living arrangements, based on individual lifestyle preferences. “A variety of room configurations allow you to choose from one to three roommates or suitemates. No student will share a bathroom with more than three other residents and many students will share a bathroom with only one other student. Other configurations are available,’ the Web site said.
Then, I found something called “Vulcan Village,’ a university housing community “providing the total student experience.’
“Live the smart life at Vulcan Village,’ the Web site proclaimed, “and get more organized with our career planning, time management, and study skills workshops. Relieve stress in our on-site fitness center, exercise classes and wellness activities. Our student friendly staff is waiting to assist you with all your housing needs. Vulcan Village is college life refined.’
Vulcan Village advertises bedrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen that are all furnished, including a full-size washer and dryer among other amenities.
I understand that colleges compete for students, striving to outbid each other. But, whew. No wonder going to college costs so much these days.
What this brings to my mind are generations.
There is the Greatest Generation, the Baby Boomer generation, the Gen-Xers. What should we call the current generation?