We're cheap, and we're OK with that. We like $1 McDonalds double cheeseburgers and 74 cent frozen dinners. Goodwill is a great place to shop. Our apartments and houses are, well, sturdy enough to sleep in.
The cost of a home in Muncie is, on average, the lowest out of 119 cities that have Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) universities, according to the recently released College Home Price Comparison Index by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. This doesn't surprise many Ball State University students who've rented apartments or houses near campus. Rent is cheap, and so are the buildings.
The thing is, when faced with the alternative of more expensive houses and better accommodations, we cash-strapped students would rather fight to keep the cheap rent and deal with busted pipes and broken ovens. It's not that we wouldn't like to live in better circumstances. We're just aware we are in college and the beautiful, upscale studio apartment or recently built house can wait until after we get the degree and salaried job.
However, there's a middle ground for college students willing to pay a bit more, which is still cheaper than rent in many college towns). Several apartment complexes offer nicer apartments for students who aren't prepared to rough it in a home with peeling paint, small sinks and a frequently clogging toilet. There are options for everyone and for every budget.
Keep in mind a handful of things when you're living in cheap housing. If the building is old, things will break and wear down. Sometimes it's easier and faster (and sometimes higher quality) to fix little things yourself. When light bulbs go out, don't call the landlord. Do it yourself. However, if the fridge goes on the fritz, the landlord usually needs to fix or replace it - your rent is cheap, but it's not an excuse for a landlord to let your food rot.
Students live in Muncie for a handful of years before leaving to bigger, better and more expensive places. But for now, we're OK being cheap.
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