Internet access is something many students take for granted. It is free and available in residence halls and student buildings on campus. However, some students who live off campus choose not to have it installed in their homes.
"At first we didn't have Internet in our house for financial reasons," Junior Mike Ruppel said. "But then we grew to enjoy not having Internet. It forced us to do other things besides surf the Web."
Ruppel said he and his roommates feel their house has a more laid back feel and they are more active in their house.
With finals coming up, Ruppel and his roommates said they are not worried that the lack of Internet in their home will negatively affect them. They said they enjoy going to the library or coffee shops on Main Street to use the Internet instead.
Junior Zack Liscio, Ruppel's roommate, said not having the Internet in his home actually improves his school work.
"I am more focused when I do have Internet access," Liscio said. "I get my work done quickly and enjoy myself when I get home."
With less of a distraction, Liscio frequents places like Brew Ha Ha or Brewed Awakenings on Main Street, which both have free Internet access.
Corbin Speir, a Brew Ha Ha employee, said Brew Ha Ha's free Internet draws in a lot of customers.
"Our Internet is completely free," Speir said. "It wouldn't be half as popular without the internet aspect. It kind of goes along with the whole vibe of the place."
Businesses like Brew Ha Ha have a following of regulars that come in on a usual basis, he said. With the help of free Internet, the coffee shop has become a busy spot where students and professors alike immerse themselves in their books and laptops for hours on end.
"Free Internet is absolutely good for business," Speir said. "I guess you could say there are regulars that come in and buy coffee, and using their laptops just comes along with that."
Other places on Main Street charge for Internet access. Starbucks, another coffee shop on Main Street, charges a fee for Internet usage. According to the Starbucks' Web site, Internet costs $3.99 for every two hours. There are different pricing plans available for the amount of time someone wants to use the internet.
Liscio and Ruppel said without Internet access at home, they find their grades do not suffer at all. For the most part they have either stayed the same or have improved.
"My grades haven't been affected," Ruppel said. "I just have to make sure the stuff I need from the Internet, I can access offline."
Liscio said without Internet in his home he is managing his schedule. He does not have worries for the upcoming final week, as his study plan will be the same as it has been all semester.
Liscio said it does not look like much will change in the future.
"For my senior year, I don't think I'm planning on getting Internet in my home again," he said. "I've gotten used to the lifestyle."
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our feed
Contact us through email
Be the first to comment on this article!