Array of choices can please anyone

The thing about co-ops is that there isn’t just one thing about co-ops. Now, paradoxes aside, there really are a lot of facets of housing cooperatives that aren’t disseminated into the realm of the everyday Spartan.

Alexa Schlosser

Yes, there are hippies, no-pants parties, weird cats, ugly paint jobs, a higher average of art majors and a lower average of gears-per-bike, but there are things you wouldn’t expect to see as well: meat loaves, bros watching the game, book drives, vacuums, Republicans.

I live in a co-op, but there are 11 other co-ops I don’t live in. And every house is different. Some don’t allow pets. Some don’t allow pet-like things to be eaten. Some have five members. Some have more than 20. Some have bangin’ parties often. Some have mediocre parties once or twice a year. Honestly, I heard some don’t even have parties.

I’m not saying living in a co-op is for everyone. I live in Orion cooperative house, 501 M.A.C. Ave., and there are definite pros and cons. Some don’t like sharing duties, and that’s really what the whole system is about. That, and not having a landlord. It’s sort of like “no parents, no rules,” but not exactly.

On the dismal side, with the possibility of 20 or so others living with you, the chances of not getting along with someone is fairly high. And the probability that the room next door is going to be blasting Nelly at 1 a.m. on a Tuesday night is even higher.

Although some co-ops are small, most have around 15 members. The more people there are, the more anonymity. In other words, when your American cheese slices go missing, you won’t know who to blame. Also, the co-ops don’t have cafeterias. There’s no lady to press your panini, and the only way you’re getting pizza is if you make a call or pre-heat the oven to 425.

But despite those seemingly off-putting features, there are plenty of reasons why living in a co-op might be just what you’re seeking. For example, with so many people, there’s always going to be someone to play Mario Party with. That’s just mathematics.

Also, you can do anything you want with the house. Think the kitchen would look best painted black? As a house, you can vote on it. In fact, the co-ops are so dang American that almost everything gets voted on. Did Sally seriously not take out the trash again? Everyone who wants to fine her $10, raise your hands.

At co-op parties, not only do you not have to walk home if you already live there, but there are usually live bands, hired DJs or rappers performing. Fraternities have what, parties sponsored by energy drinks? Lame.

The houses themselves are all situated in convenient locations near campus. And rent is cheap because, as goes the MSU Student Housing Cooperative motto, they’re “for people, not profit.”

Would you rather live in a clean, white room in Chandler’s Crossings or be able to find a Nintendo partner at 4 a.m.? I know what’s more important to me.