By MACKENZIE ROGER

Staff Reporter

Not to be confused with the posh shopping district in California, sophomore Nursing major Laura Jung grew up in Beverly Hills, Michigan. As in the upper-middle class town southwest of Birmingham that is renowned for its public school district.

Although Jung lived just five minutes from Birmingham, the city always seemed far away.

“Beverly Hills is a gorgeous town,” said Jung, “The surrounding communities offered more to do.”

While attending Groves High School, Jung and her friends would routinely walk three miles to Southfield or Royal Oak and spend time there. Spots such as Borders, Starbucks and even neighborhood parks offered fun places to hang out.

After graduating in 2007, Jung decided to attend OU, and began to commute to classes. For an entire year, she made the 25-minute drive five days each week. Carpooling with friends kept gas costs down for Jung, but also forced her to stay on campus hours after her classes were over.

“I was around all the time,” added Jung, “but I wanted to experience more on-campus activities. I would miss the opportunity if I never lived on campus.”

For this school year, Jung moved into the Vandenberg dorms, and hasn’t looked back since.

“Not having to worry about the stress of driving back and forth was amazing,” said Jung. “I’m more motivated to become involved. I joined the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and am now the treasurer.”

Ultimately, Jung advises students to live at least one year in some form of student housing. The independence and getting the “full college experience” is worth the added financial stress, according to Jung.