Northeastern recently struck a deal to create more dormitories for students seeking on campus housing. The university is leasing space from Phoenix Property Co., which is purchasing wings of the YMCA to build dorms and apartments for students. I believe this new purchase is beneficial to Northeastern because of the housing wait list for many incoming students.

After I accepted my offer of admission to Northeastern as a transfer student, I had to focus on housing. Despite my excitement for choosing Northeastern, I knew on-campus housing was not going to be easy to get. Then the dreaded day came when I received the letter for an on-campus housing wait list. I waited a few weeks, but eventually I had to start searching for an off-campus apartment. About a week before school started, Northeastern housing offered me a spot at the YMCA, but because I already put down a deposit for an apartment, I chose to stay off campus.

I cannot say I am unhappy where I am. My apartment is in a great location and I have very agreeable roommates. Of course, there are disadvantages to living off campus that I don’t think every student wants to deal with, like making rent and utilities. That’s why Northeastern is taking a step in the right direction by converting the YMCA into housing. Adding more dorms will make the transition smoother for transfer and other students who won’t have to worry about being put on a wait list and finding off-campus housing.

Every year Northeastern receives more applications for admission and the number of students on campus is rising. With the addition of rooms in the YMCA, Northeastern will be able to add hundreds more beds to campus. Some students say the YMCA building is not in great condition, but if the building is renovated, it could turn out to be nearly as attractive as International Village.

The YMCA building is in a great location, right on Huntington Avenue and steps away from Krentzman Quad. Students would have easy access to campus, the Marino Center and the Green Line. Also, the YMCA needs the money that this will provide. Northeastern is helping out the community while helping out its students.

After experiencing a wait list for on-campus housing, I believe Northeastern must take swift action in developing more dormitories, and the YMCA is a great start. Less money going to administration and more money to housing is good for students and is something other institutions in the U.S. should consider. The YMCA will become another attractive residence hall and make on campus housing more accessible and less of a hassle for students.

– Ethan Rauf can be reached at
[email protected].