If I told my first year self that I would live in a beach house with a backyard directly on the beach in my senior year, I would genuinely be shocked. But, nevertheless, an opportunity fell into my friends and I’s lap last year, and now I wake up to a delightful view of ocean waves from my bedroom window, with a back patio and picnic table on the sand. Although I was never dying to own beachfront property and would have been perfectly content with a place in Barnyard, I would not trade this experience for anything — especially because I get to share it with three of my close friends. Of course, the financial aspect is not a favorable part, but when deciding whether I wanted the house or not, I ended up with the idea that money comes back, but memories do not. A beach house experience for seniors is one hundred percent worth it.
I was not aware that beach house prices were increasing, although I do not doubt it. While I won’t say exactly how much I pay per semester for my house, I’ll admit that it has made quite a dent in my savings account, and I haven’t even given my second payment yet. Plus, paying electric and utility bills only adds to its total cost. As a relatively financially conscious person whose parents do not assist in my housing costs — only tuition and a fifty-swipe meal plan — it is certainly a daunting experience. I’ll be graduating in May and will have to begin building up for my future. But, that factor is one negative option outweighed by a million positives, such as weekend convenience, sunny beach afternoons, closer proximity to friends and a beautiful photography backdrop.
The amount of money paid for a beach house is something that I’m sure would deter many people and almost myself. It is not a perfect situation, but, is anything? A goal for my senior year was to really have fun, taking the year in and spending time with my friends who I won’t see as much once we leave campus for good. Having a beach house has allowed me to fulfill this goal. For most seniors, the Seagrape is the go-to weekend spot. No plans? Go to the Grape. Party finished at 11 p.m.? Go to the Grape. I often think about how difficult, annoying and expensive it would be to Uber from Barnyard to the Seagrape every weekend, not to mention being isolated from my class year and adding to my horrible FOMO. Having my college bar a two-minute walk away has made going out extremely easy and stress-free, granting me the freedom of leaving whenever I want to leave instead of having to coordinate an Uber time with my friends. My house, the Grape, my friend’s house and my boyfriend’s house are all within a five-minute walking circle of each other and I’m extremely grateful to have that convenience and freedom this year. I am also right next to Old Post Market, which has provided me with some delicious breakfasts and dinners when I don’t feel like cooking.
For darties and Nauts, this convenience continues. Being able to retreat back to my house for a quick bathroom break or drink refill is such a lifesaver. We are looking forward to having our and our friends’ house for Santacon, too, which is usually a bathroom nightmare.
Throughout the entire month of September and even a few weekends in October, my friends and I saddled up with beach chairs — courtesy of our house — and walked probably sixty feet onto the beach. Making sure to apply our sunscreen underneath the hot sun, we sat out there for hours, gossiping, planning weekend festivities and dipping our toes in the frigid water. Although the weather is chilly now, I can’t wait for warmer, spring months to arrive so our beach days can continue. After a night out, the sharp waves act as a nice hangover cure, too. Maybe it’s the placebo effect making us believe the water eases our aching headaches, but simply “reconnecting with nature,” as we like to say, totally cancels out the amount of vodka sodas drank the night before (right?). Our White Party and Presidential Ball pictures were also blessed with a beautiful beach background; our wooden walkway, warm sunset and not-too-distant waves complimented our dresses and energy. I mean, if I could choose between a beach background or the typically white walls of campus housing, the beach is the obvious choice. And, for the film majors reading this, a beach house acts as a great movie set. Mine has been used for two already: my own and one of our friend’s, both I’m sure were a great success.
So, I’ve made my points about beach house living for seniors. Evidently, it is going to be costly, but I would not let that negative stir people away from its positives. It’s important to acknowledge both sides and truly figure out your own priorities. Even living with three or four other roommates, though, assists with paying bills and utilities. A $250 electric bill divided by four people, for example, is only about sixty-two dollars, which is what I spend for a nice brunch with friends, anyway. I am enjoying my senior year experience and I would not change it at all. I’m going out, relaxing in, eating breakfast by the waves and walking to my friends’ houses whenever I please. I recommend it to any underclassman debating whether the beach is right for them.
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