What Parents Should Know About Alternatives to Thompson Rivers University Housing
Living on campus is attractive to many TRU students but there are alternatives to Thompson Rivers University housing. The upside of TRU housing is that it’s convenient for the student (and the parent if they’re paying for it) and, of course, close to classes. The downside is that the student doesn’t learn to live independently, manage finances or have the freedoms of living off-campus.
TRU Housing is Easier for Parents but May Postpone Personal Growth
Renting Thompson Rivers University housing is a package deal: if a parent is paying, they know exactly what they are getting, and much of the responsibility that off-campus tenants bear, is shouldered by university housing.
Depending on the residence, housing might be paid in two or three installments rather than monthly as is the case when renting an apartment in Kamloops. Sofas, chairs, desks, kitchen tables and the like, don’t need to be purchased, because all of these furnishings are part of the residence.
Each TRU residence has a Residence Manager who oversees the daily housing operations. Managers are responsible for the safety and security of residents, guests and staff and enforce policies and procedures. While managers aren’t parents, they may make students feel more at ease.
While on-campus living has a number of merits, it may also postpone the valuables lessons and experience gained by living outside of the safety-bubble of university housing. Renting an apartment off campus may instill in the student a sense of ownership and responsibility that fosters personal growth.
Alternatives to Thompson Rivers University Housing that Parents Might Consider
In Kamloops, parents might consider the following housing options.
Renting a bedroom in a home
Some homeowners rent a bedroom and allow the renter to use the kitchen, while others may rent the room but leave the tenant to fend for their own meals. This arrangement might mean that the tenant eats take-out, fast food, or in a restaurant nearly every day. Not only can this be expensive on a student budget (or parent’s budget), it’s also poor nutritionally.
Renting a room in an apartment
Students sometimes share an apartment and offer a room for rent when a roommate moves out. Our Kamloops apartments, Summit Village Residences, has students that choose to share a 2-bedroom apartment, which tends to be more cost-effective per person than a studio or one bedroom, and with more space.
Renting a studio apartment
Renting a studio apartment close to campus is a popular choice among Thompson Rivers University students and can be less costly than some on-campus residences. Studios are easy to furnish, easier to clean, and offer many students the independence they need.
Rent a Studio Apartment at Summit Village Residences
Summit Village Residences has a number of TRU students as tenants. 1415 and 1425 Summit Drive in Kamloops are good alternatives to Thompson Rivers University residences. The buildings are a 10-minute bike ride or 25-minute walk to campus and are close to shopping, restaurants and services. Our studio apartments have many modern amenities including stainless steel appliances, engineered plank flooring, in-suite washer-dryer, a personal storage locker and building fitness room.
