by Mary Bridges

Here at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, we offer living on campus only to single men. So, I decided to talk to some of our married students/families to see how they feel about living off campus. Here are the questions and responses. I took the liberty of combining some similar responses.

"Yes, housing is very affordable and plentiful in Fort Wayne, especially compared with other high-priced housing markets, such as Washington, D.C. (where we are from). We were able to find a very nice, new home (less than five years old) in Fort Wayne. It cost less than half of what our smaller, 50-year-old home sold for in Maryland."

"Affordable­yes. Plentiful­yes, we live in Northcrest, and there are many rentals available right now."

"I believe it's very affordable, especially having moved from a larger city. It also seems to be available in every area of Fort Wayne."

"Privacy. You can 'get away' from school for a bit. If you have children, they have their own space. The men can form study groups at each other's houses."

"Living off campus has the following benefits: gives a break from campus, opportunity to lead a more normal lifestyle, gives opportunity to own a home establishing more financial security, enables you to be more involved with the Fort Wayne Community."

"Yes, the Fort Wayne seminary is family oriented. Fort Wayne is a safe, clearly family oriented city. Many supports are given to families at the seminary including the Food and Clothing Co-ops."

"Definitely would recommend. Everyone is friendly here and so willing to help you, whether it be personal or academically. They will bend over backwards for you to accomplish your goals."

"You still spend a majority of your time here on campus, in class, studying, and other activities. However, I feel that being off campus allows for a time of reflection and refreshing in order to prepare you for tomorrow's challenges."

"Yes, the seminary does provide many ways. A few examples would be: picnics, wives classes, Schola Cantorum, home basketball games, campus-wide Christmas party, plus many more less formal activities. However, staying connected does take an effort. You need to want to be involved."

"Yes. The SWA has been a blessing for my wife in meeting other seminary wives. Activities on campus are open to all kinds of people. The library has long hours during the school year and internet is available in three places on campus (which is great because we don't have a computer at home)."

It seems to me that living off campus as a married student is working out just fine in Fort Wayne. But, don't just take my word for it. Come visit with the students and see for yourself. I am confident that you will find the above responses fairly typical of the married students here at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For more informatin call Mary Bridges, Relocation Coordinator at 800-481-2155, or e-mail her at bridgesml@ctsfw.edu.

Mary Bridges is the Relocation Coordinator at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

From Volume 7, Issue 1, Winter 2004