Hey, didn't see you there. I was scrolling through my Lifey app. You should get the Lifey app from the App Store, but first, hey guys, it's Carissa. Welcome back to Lifey. Today, we're going to talk about 10 things we don't love too much about the University of Utah.
Tony from Unicom says the saddest realization about the University of Utah is that it's a commuter school. What exactly does the tragedy of the U being a commuter school mean? It means that most students drive to campus, go to class, and drive home like it's a job or something. This means there are no midnight ice-cream runs, no midnight study groups, and nothing at midnight. Unless you're one of the few students that live near campus. So as Tony puts it, this is a sad realization.
Number two has little to do with raising the roof, but rather textbook prices are through the roof. Tell me why I can buy three copies of a 700-page Harry Potter book for less than my 200-page microeconomics textbook, which I'm probably going to read two chapters of the entire semester. On average, students spend about $1,000 a year on textbooks. This is standard for any University when it comes to textbooks, but it doesn't make dropping that money any less traumatizing.
Parking is decently cheap, which is nice because you're spending all that money on textbooks, but there's no parking. Maybe we're being a little dramatic, but commuter school equals about 80% of students drive to campus, which equals parking is going to be tight, and a long way from where you're going if you do manage to find any. It's no good if you're thinking about trying to find parking in the U. Just invest in a pair of Chili.
I can definitely delve into the concepts mentioned in that piece about the University of Utah. Let's break it down:
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Commuter School: This term refers to a university where a majority of students live off-campus and travel to attend classes. The downside, as highlighted, is that it can limit the sense of community and engagement typical in residential colleges. This impacts extracurricular activities and the social aspect of college life.
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Textbook Prices: The article points out the exorbitant costs of textbooks, a common woe for college students. The comparison between the price of a lengthy novel versus a comparatively shorter textbook highlights the disproportionate expenses. It's an ongoing issue affecting students' budgets and sometimes leads to financial strain.
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Parking Issues: High percentages of students driving to campus result in parking shortages. This can be a hassle for those who do find parking spots, as they might end up far from their intended destinations. The recommendation to "invest in a pair of Chili" suggests getting comfortable shoes for walking.
These concepts—commuter schools, textbook expenses, and parking challenges—are prevalent in many universities and impact students' experiences and daily lives. They often represent hurdles that students need to navigate during their academic journeys.
