Is it better to live on campus or commute? This is a dilemma students often face when heading to college. There are plenty of reasons why you should live on campus, and we’ve outlined some here — whether you need to convince yourself, or your family.

Discover Detroit

Many cite Wayne State’s Midtown location as one of the reasons they choose to attend the university. Sure, it is nice to avoid sitting in traffic to get to games and concerts, but the real prize of living on campus is being part of Detroit’s unprecedented urban renaissance. Living in the cultural center allows you to experience the city without limitations, giving you a prime opportunity to explore and enjoy everything Detroit has to offer.

Build bonds

While some friendships may be formed in class, it is easy to sit in a lecture and leave without talking to classmates. Many long-lasting bonds are formed in the time spent after classes. Living on campus, your suite- and hall-mates can become as close as family. Whether you find yourself walking down the hall to your friend’s room at 2 a.m. with a package of Oreos or quizzing each other with upcoming test questions in the study lounge, on-campus housing makes it easy to create deep-rooted friendships.

Roll out of bed

Michigan roads, construction and traffic — need we say more? Living on campus means less time spent in your car and more time sleeping before that 8:30 a.m. class you had no choice but to take.

On-campus resources

The UGL, Student Center and RFC are clustered around the residence halls, allowing you to take full advantage of these campus amenities. Since the Undergraduate Library is open 24/7, you can stay late without having to worry about driving home. And since going to college and working is hard enough, living on campus cuts the time it takes to get to the gym — and the inevitable excuses you might make to avoid working out.

Warrior spirit

Living at Wayne State, you don’t have to plan things around whether you’ll be on campus. This leaves you with time to cheer on your fellow classmates and receive Warrior gear at the many athletic events in the Matthaei Physical Education Center.

To cook, or not to cook

Living in a residence hall with a meal plan eliminates the stress and time it takes to cook a meal after a long day. Still, you have the option to test your culinary skills in the kitchenette located on every other floor, or your own kitchen if you live in an on-campus apartment.

Specialized communities

College is a time to discover your interests, explore creative pursuits and challenge your thought process. In learning communities, you gain support and inspiration from your neighbors. Current living and learning communities are the Warrior Business Community based in the Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments, and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Community located in Atchison Hall and The Thompson.

Safe and secure

All residence halls and on-campus apartments require a OneCard swipe and photo ID to enter the building, so your security is priority. And thanks to the Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD), we are one of the top 50 safest college campuses in the nation. With an emergency response time of 90 seconds, the WSUPD has been recognized by The New York Times for its role in Detroit’s resurgence.

Get involved

Living here allows you to easily connect with different student organizations and attend on-campus events. Additionally, you can gain leadership experience by getting involved with the Residence Hall Association (RHA), the governing body that plans a leadership conference, siblings weekend and more for on-campus apartments and residence halls.

Personal growth

Here, you can gain independence within the security of the community you cultivate. Living on campus pushes you to interact with people you don’t know and lets you learn to live cohesively with others.