Restricted living options are good for those who choose them, but are unlikely to be responsible for better academic performance.

The Harvard School of Public Health recently released a study that found students living in substance-free dorms were less likely to drink heavily or be affected by alcohol-related problems. The study defines substance-free dorms as housing that prohibits alcohol and smoking.

The study compares the responses of 2,555 students from 52 colleges and found 32.3 percent of students living in substance-free housing drank heavily compared to 52.6 percent in unrestricted housing. However, of those living in alcohol-free housing that does not prohibit smoking, 54.8 percent of the respondents said they drink heavily.

MSU offers alcohol-free living in all of Rather Hall and East Akers Hall, two floors in Hubbard Hall and one floor in Yakeley Hall. The east wing of Holmes Hall is designated smoke-free. Residents also can designate their individual rooms alcohol- or smoke-free.

Making these options available to residents provides a comfortable situation for those who choose not to drink or smoke. MSU should be complimented for providing the option to those who choose to exercise it. If restricted living makes residents feel more comfortable, then it is obviously beneficial, but not necessarily a positive influence on all residents.

It is not likely that this option is the key factor in better performance or behavior in college. While the study shows those in substance-free halls are less likely to be heavy drinkers, those in alcohol-free dorms had a higher percentage of heavy drinkers than those in nonrestricted situations. The results are not consistent enough to attribute higher grades and less vandalism to restricted living.

Academic performance relies mainly on the individual, not the living situation. Those who make it a priority to do well in classes and work toward it will usually be rewarded with good grades. They find ways to get the necessary things done despite their situation.

If someone is disturbed by those living around them, there are ways to solve the problem. If confronting the person doesn’t work, there are other places to go to study. The dorms have study lounges, and the library is open 24 hours a day - there are always options for those who are driven enough.

It also must be considered that most alcohol-related activities would occur during the weekends. Because many students do little studying on the weekend, it is unlikely alcohol-related activities would be the problem in their grades.

The study also does not take into consideration the type of students who choose to live in substance-free environments. These students may have chosen the option to allow for a more studious, less social environment.

Substance-free and other restricted living options are good things for colleges to offer to those who choose that environment. However, it is unlikely the environment is responsible for higher grades and less heavy drinking.