Over the course of my time at Liberty University, a conversation I’ve often overheard floating through the hallways goes something like this: “Oh, I’m so moving off next year. We’re looking at apartments; hopefully my request will get approved.”
Many students who have lived on campus for a few semesters quickly grow eager to begin living off campus and finally embark on that next step of adulthood. Maybe this is because as juniors and seniors, class loads can require more time alone – which can be hard to pin down while sidestepping dorm mates and hall events. Maybe they are even burned out from the busyness of campus life.
Attitude is contagious, and these conversations have worked their way into the hearts and minds of freshmen and sophomores, too. Students think the off-campus life will give them a freedom and experience that rivals a residential student.
But dare I say they are missing out on some of the most formative, essential and joyful parts of being an on-campus student at Liberty.
During my first week at Liberty, I was scared to pieces. Here I was, freshly 18 years old, moving hours away from everything I’ve ever known into a completely new state, college and dorm.
I expected to find a scene straight out of the movies: opening a squeaky dorm room door to reveal a dark room full of dust particles, reflecting the gloomy dread of the unknowns of college.
My introduction to living at Liberty was far from that. As I pulled into the parking lot at the Circle, my family and I were immediately greeted by countless students cheering and holding up signs that read, “So glad you’re here!” Eager student leaders grabbed my belongings out of the car, took them to my room and made sure my parents knew I would be in good hands.
The dread of change easily gave way to the newfound excitement of residential life.
Where else would you receive such a warm welcome to live on campus? At Liberty, they not only encourage students to live on campus — they celebrate with you when you do.
Furthermore, Liberty’s campus has several different types of dorms that will accommodate any living style you prefer.
The Residential Commons provide a social hub for the students who crave a busy social life and close proximity to campus hot spots. East Campus or the Quads are for the students who want to escape from the busyness of the main campus while still engaging in community. Those dorms also provide more apartment-style living, fully equipped with kitchens for students who crave a bit more independence. Options such as the Circle, South Tower and the Hill give a more traditional dorm experience at a lower cost.
No matter who you are, where you come from or what you are looking for, Liberty has an area of campus that will suit your lifestyle.
The personalization of your on-campus experience does not stop there. When you are living on campus at Liberty, you are more than just a number to the university.
Every student’s mental and spiritual well‑being is intentionally supported through a comprehensive, bottom‑up residential life structure that includes resident directors, resident assistants, resident shepherds and community group leaders. This system ensures that every student is accounted for, cared for and poured into while they are living in Lynchburg.Finally, students living on campus are offered several services at their convenience. A few of these services include personalized dining plans, on-demand rides and a Champion Safe app to ensure the safety of every student, whether they live on or off campus — in addition to the Liberty University Police Department.
Living on campus at Liberty means having a home away from home where you will be loved and given an opportunity to flourish during your college years. For some, those experiences cannot be replicated living off campus.
Potter is a staff writer for the Liberty Champion.