Apartment Life
by sophomore Nick McGeehon

Last year Nick McGeehon entered his freshmen year by moving into the Webster Village Apartments from his hometown of Norris City, Illinois. He quickly found his niche and is now involved in many aspects of Webster’s campus life including being the founder and president of Rock the Vote at Webster, working on projects with Habitat for Humanity, Campus Recreation, and Campus Conservatives. With a year of apartment life under his belt, Nick has good advice to dish out for those living in the Webster Village Apartment for their 04-05 freshmen year.

Life at the Webster Village Apartments (WVA) isn't quite like a residence hall, but there are some things that students will find at the WVA just like they would in the residence halls. Likewise, there are things that you will find at the WVA that you wouldn't find in the residence halls. When students come to the WVA they will still have a new person to not only get to know, but live with for nine months. Not to fret, life at the WVA eases this process. A student does not have to sleep, eat, study, or whatever in the same room as that person for the next nine months like they would in the residence halls, rather a student has their own private quiet space to retreat to when they need time alone.

Renter’s Insurance Tip Residents living on campus are not required to have renter’s insurance, however it is strongly recommended. Students residing in either the dormitories or apartments are responsible for property that is damaged or destroyed while at Webster University. Parents who have homeowner’s insurance should contact their insurance company- their students’ belongings actually might be covered under their policy. For those who are not covered, it is highly advisable to invest in renter’s insurance, especially if you have property of substantial value (computers, electronics, etc.).

Just like the residence halls, students will find a laundry room with coin washing machines and dryers. The convenience of the WVA is that there are two computers in the laundry room that are hooked up to the internet and they can be used while waiting for your clothes to dry. Also, students will enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub (students not living in the apartments can go as long as they are with a resident of the WVA). This is a great hang out place for students to mingle and relax. The pool is generally open until October and opens again in April. Unlike the residence halls, it is a little harder for your son or daughter to get to know all the people who live around them. It takes some going out of the student’s way to knock on doors and introduce themselves. However, when students create these relationships they not only get to know people, but more often than not, they end up sharing home cooked meals, movies, kitchen utensils, and tons of fun times with these people. Overall, the Webster Village Apartments are a great place for a first year student to settle into the Webster University life and find their niche here.

Things that will make life easier:
I suggest bringing pillows for the couch because it gets a little stiff at times. It helps to have things to cover your walls that remind you of home or put you in a happy place. An area rug will make your apartment unique, interesting, and not to mention comfortable. There is space outside to sit, so lawn chairs are a plus to lounge around outside your apartment. A dry-erase board can be put on your door for people to leave you messages when you are not home. Refrigerator magnets make your kitchen feel more like home and other students love to look at pictures of you, your family, and friends back home.

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