College students might learn a real-world lesson from the MSU Board of Trustees.
Living expenses are, well, expensive. You've got bills, rent and groceries to pay for. That is, unless you live in the dorms and all of the above are already included in your room and meal pre-packaged price.
But just because it's a package deal doesn't mean living in MSU's residence halls is any cheaper than living out on your own.
Last week, the trustees voted unanimously to raise housing rates for fall 2006 with, yet again, no public discussion.
With no way to see how the board came to its decision, the question of whether this was the best or simply the easiest option arises.
Despite not knowing how the trustees agreed upon the estimated $300 increase, the decision isn't completely unjustifiable.
The university is facing a combined $2.8 million increase in operating and food costs. The housing increase will help pay for new furniture in Hubbard and Case halls, and the renovation of Snyder and Phillips halls are also expenses that need to be covered.
Campus housing rates have been raised by the board pretty consistently over the last six years, with an average increase of about 5 percent each year.
So even if students signed a contract to stay in the residence halls next year thinking they would be paying the same rate, they probably should have thought about a possible increase first.
Even students who choose to live off campus see annual inflation in living costs.
Rent increases are fairly common for apartment dwellers and house renters as well. Many landlords will raise rent $10 a month each year a resident lives in their facility. That's a $120 a year increase.
Although $120 is a lot less then $300, the student housing increase also covers a meal plan. Not to mention all the conveniences of living on campus, like being closer to classes and not having to rely on a vehicle.
If you're not a freshman, you have a choice of whether you want to live on campus. Judging from the last six years, it looks unlikely that a yearly housing increase will stop anytime soon.
It's up to students to decide if they're willing to pay for the perks of an on-campus living experience. Having a dorm as your home might be handy, but you have to realize you are going to pay for the convenience.
