By Emma Tremblay
Contributing Writer

Due to rising rents, many college junior and seniors find themselves staying on campus. The residual effect is that many first years are finding their stay at Simmons College a bit tight this year.

In the 2013-2014 school year, many first-years have been subjected to live in expanded occupancy triples, commonly known as forced triples. Not only that, but many sophomores have been forced to live in traditionally first-year dorms.

From the 2012-2013 school year to the 2013 – 2014 school year, the number of seniors living on campus increased from 94 to 147, according to an email from Sarah Cyr-Mutty, housing coordinator at Simmons College.

The number of first-years decreased during this time from 391 to 331, yet the amount of expanded occupancy triples remained at 32 for opening, according to Cyr-Mutty. As of Nov. 19, there are 27 expanded occupancy triples.

The cost of living in Boston has risen over the past few years. Boston’s cost of living compared to Massachusetts and the national average is noticeably higher. Because Simmons College is surrounded by the Fenway and Brookline area, it makes finding reasonably priced apartments that are close enough to school, almost impossible.

Paige Kramer, a junior at Simmons studying nursing, lives off campus with roommates. “It isn’t always easy. I ride my bike to campus which can be a pain. I have to consider in extra commute time and deal with Boston traffic.”

Kramer was lucky enough to fill a room of a previous college student, but she does say that if she wasn’t able to share the rent with multiple people she wouldn’t be able to afford it. Even with the two roommates Kramer pays a little over a $1,000 a month.

Jen Collins, a senior studying business at Simmons, made the choice to live on campus thisyear. “It was closer to school than any apartment I could find, and I wanted a meal plan,” said Collins. “It just made more sense money and convenience why.”

Students in triples most often complain more about the lack of space. “I’m living in a space with three people that was meant for two,” said Alison Gauvin, a first- year studying physical therapy. “I never get time to myself unless I book it ahead of time with my roommates.”

Zoe Sarason, also a first-year nursing student, was outraged to find out she was in a triple.

“As soon as I opened the email I went into a rage,” said Sarason, “cursing and stomping around my house.” Not only was she mad about the limited space, but she was also nervous about living with two other people. “In a group of three, often two people get along better and I didn’t want to be the one left out,” said Sarason.

This is a daunting problem for Simmons. The trend of seniors staying on campus only seems to be increasing, which means even less space for incoming freshman.

The 2013–2014 first–year class is one of the smallest in recent years. Meaning with the high probability of a larger first–year class and more juniors and seniors staying on campus it is likely there will be even more expanded occupancy triples next school year.

But being a city college doesn’t allow Simmons to expand easily. Many first-years wonder whether or not this will affect them next year, will many of them be forced into an expanded occupancy triple again along with many of the 2014–2015 first-years.

“Something really needs to be done, transitioning from high school to college is hard enough without living in such a small space with an extra person,” said Sarason. “I honestly believe if something isn’t done about the space issue, it will deter people from coming here in future which would be a shame.”