The Bradley experiment

For the first time at Bradley University, some freshmen will get to live off campus. The Journal Star newspaper in Peoria reports the university is launching a pilot program allowing around 20 first year students to move into the new $20 million upscale student housing complex off campus. The private suites in Peoria are called Main Street Commons. Each suite has its own washer and dryer with a private bathroom, among other amenities. Freshmen also get parking spots, a perk not available to all freshmen on campus. But they’ll have abide by campus rules. Eighteen-year-old Jacob Becker from Amboy thinks the privacy and separate place to study will be nice.

Bradley officials hope to double the size of the program next year. Classes start this week.