Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on campus life.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

Universities often debate the best housing arrangement for first-year students. Some institutions require all first-year students to live in on-campus dormitories, arguing that this helps them adapt to university life and build a strong sense of community. In contrast, other universities allow students the freedom to live off-campus. Which policy do you think is better for first-year students, and why?

Student response 1:

I am convinced that requiring first-year students to live on campus is the better policy. This environment makes it much easier for new students to make friends and get involved in campus activities. Because they are always near university resources like the library and academic advisors, it helps them succeed academically.

Student response 2:

I believe students should have the freedom to choose where they live. Living off-campus can be significantly cheaper, which is an important consideration for many families. Furthermore, it teaches students real-world responsibilities like managing a budget and commuting, which are valuable life skills that dormitory living does not offer.