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 education policy.

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:

Many universities require first-year students to live in on-campus dormitories. The stated reason is that this helps new students integrate into the university community, make friends, and easily access campus resources. However, this policy can be a financial burden for some families and it limits students' independence. Do you think this requirement is ultimately beneficial or detrimental for first-year students? Explain your reasoning.

Student response 1:

I think this requirement is very beneficial. Living in a dorm helps create a strong sense of community right from the start. For instance, students are constantly surrounded by peers, which makes it easier to form study groups and friendships. Consequently, they feel more connected to the university and are less likely to feel isolated.

Student response 2:

I feel the policy is more detrimental because it ignores students' financial situations and personal preferences. Dorms are often more expensive than off-campus options, adding unnecessary stress. Furthermore, some students may be more mature and prefer a quieter living environment to focus on their studies, which a dorm doesn't always provide.