Decision day has come and gone, but it won’t be the last big choice you’ll face in college. From first-year students to seniors, weighing between on-campus and off-campus life can be a difficult choice. Each has its pros and cons, and there are some important factors to consider before making the leap. We’ll take a closer look at them all below.
In this article:
Can I live in off-campus housing?
Before considering off-campus living, make sure it’s actually an option for you. Many schools require first-year students to live on campus, and some require it for all students. There are usually some exceptions to these rules, but you should check your school’s website to see what the guidelines are.
On the other hand, some smaller or online universities may not offer on-campus housing at all. So if you’re looking to leave your childhood home, you’ll need to look for off-campus housing.
Pros and cons of on-campus housing
Whether you need to live on campus or aren’t ready to live in a rental for the first time, on-campus housing is still a great option. To help you choose between on-campus and off-campus living, we’ll discuss the pros and cons to help you prepare for this year.
Strong Points
Proximity and Convenience: Living on campus means being in the heart of everything. The entire university is right on your doorstep, from classes to extracurricular activities. Campus amenities: Libraries, gyms, study lounges, cafeterias, etc. are much more accessible if you live on campus versus off campus. Easier to meet people: Living in a community, such as a dorm or campus apartment, increases your chances of meeting other students. Some of these friendships may become your future roommates when you leave campus. Simplicity: Many schools include costs such as utilities, Wi-Fi, and laundry in the total room and board fee, which is often a one-time payment.
Cons
It can be expensive: The average cost of room and board at a four-year college is $12,986 per year, and that doesn’t include the additional cost of a meal plan. Little Privacy: With small rooms and shared bathrooms, there’s little chance of being alone for even a moment in dorms. If only one is available, multiple roommates may share the space. Noisy and hard to concentrate: Dormitories are great for socializing, but it can be difficult to concentrate amidst activities and noisy neighbors. Quiet hours are helpful, but your neighbor who doesn’t have an exam the next day may not be as concerned about loud music as you are. Fewer housing options: Many universities, especially large universities, use a lottery system to allocate housing. You may have your heart set on a newly renovated dorm, but you may end up receiving a random assignment that’s not on your wish list. Roommates: You might be lucky and find someone who fits your lifestyle and personality, but choosing the wrong roommate can ruin your college experience. Avoid random roommate draws and ask lots of questions to make the right choice.
Pros and cons of off-campus housing
Living off-campus is a great first step to becoming independent and learning how to rent your own home, but it can also be a pain to manage. Before deciding whether to live on-campus or off-campus, carefully consider the pros and cons to determine if this is the right choice for you during your college experience.
Strong Points
More housing options: Depending on your location and roommates, there are many different types of rental properties that will suit you. Use Redfin.com to search for homes using filters like number of rooms and ideal price range. It can be cheaper: Rather than paying the fixed fees and meal plans of most on-campus housing, you can create your own budget. Roommates may also be able to help split costs. Independence: Less supervision and campus rules means you have more freedom to enjoy your own space. You could even use your favorite candles or paint the walls. More space: Depending on the type of rental you choose, you can have kitchen or even living room space to spread out or invite friends over for a study party. Increased privacy: A little privacy goes a long way, and even having the bathroom to yourself or installing a door between your room and the rest of your rental can do wonders for both your comfort and concentration.
Cons
Increased Responsibilities: Living off campus means you have more to manage on your own. Paying your rent and utilities on time, managing your groceries and cooking, and keeping your living space clean are all part of your responsibilities as a renter. Paying in advance may seem expensive. Most rentals require first and last month’s rent and a deposit at the time of signing. On top of furniture, textbooks, and tuition, this may seem like a lot, but you may be able to get away with a smaller budget for a while. Commuting to campus: Depending on how far away your off-campus rental facility is, you may need to consider increased commuting time and transportation costs. Difficulties in finding housing: Off-campus housing can fill up quickly, so timing your search in a timely manner is important to secure a rental before the school year begins. You may feel isolated: Moving away from campus can make it difficult to access friends and campus life. You may need to put in a little more effort to have a fun and sociable college experience.
5 things to think about before making a decision
Before jumping into off-campus life, there are a few things to consider. Each will help you narrow your search window and make your final decision about whether to live on or off campus.
1. Roommate
Choosing a roommate is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in college, but it becomes even more important if you’re renting together. Having one or more roommates is a great way to not only cut costs but also have in-house support throughout your college career. However, you need to make sure your friend is someone you can trust to fit into your lifestyle and pay your rent on time.
2. Budget
Whether you’re working and attending school, taking out student loans, or receiving housing assistance, creating a detailed rent budget can help you arrange a comfortable off-campus living experience. Even if you decide to live on campus, sticking to a budget and knowing your expenses will help you prepare for a future home purchase. Roommates can help reduce costs, and landlords are more likely to accept your application if you have a cosigner or guarantor to support your rental agreement.
3. Lifestyle and priorities
You know yourself best, so choosing to live on campus or off campus is a personal decision. Find out what your top priorities are and how well each housing option balances your course. Weigh your wants and needs and find the middle ground that works best for you.
4. Transportation
If you want to live off campus, you will need to consider how you will get to class. The further your rental facility is from campus, the more likely you will need to budget for transportation. Depending on your rental car, you may have to pay for parking, and driving back and forth frequently can result in higher gas costs. If public transport is available, it is usually the cheaper option, and some schools may even issue free student passes for local transport.
>> Read more: 10 US cities with the best public transportation
5. Flexibility
Some landlords offer short-term rentals to accommodate your academic schedule, but typically one year. If you plan to stay near campus for work or summer courses, a 12-month lease may be convenient. You may be able to renew your lease for another year and avoid the university’s annual moving cycle. For those looking to save money on rent when they move back in during the summer, ask your prospective landlord about lease terms and sublease and sublease options. A subletter or sublease allows you to move back into the same rental once the new school year starts without having to move all your furniture.
Living on campus or living off campus: Which should you choose?
Making the choice between living on campus or off campus is not an easy decision. Each has its pros and cons, and there’s a lot to consider. The most important thing to think about is what is best for you. Fortunately, there’s no right or wrong way to get your college experience. Whatever choice you make, it will be uniquely yours.
Frequently asked questions about on-campus and off-campus living
Is it cheaper on campus or off campus?
The cost of on-campus and off-campus living varies widely depending on school, location, and lifestyle. For example, a college located in a city with a high cost of living may have cheaper on-campus options, but a tighter budget or multiple roommates can offset rental costs and make off-campus housing a more attractive option.
Can I use financial aid to pay for off-campus housing?
Yes, you can pay for off-campus housing with financial aid. The cost of living is factored into the school’s estimated cost of attendance (COA). After tuition and other fees are paid, the school will apply the remaining amount to off-campus housing costs as a direct deposit or check.
Can I pay for off-campus housing with student loans?
Yes, you can pay for off-campus housing with your student loans. Student loans are a type of financial aid and follow a similar process as mentioned above. However, student loans are expected to be repaid with interest, so budget carefully.
How much is the average rent?
Average rent in the United States is $1,785 per month, but may vary by city. Prices can range from $3,000 or more per month in hubs like San Francisco, California to less than $1,000 in small towns like Wichita, Kansas. This variation is primarily due to the city’s location and broader economy.
Can I sign a lease for less than one year?
Yes, you can sign a lease for less than a year if you do not want to live in your rental outside of the academic year. You can also discuss short-term rental contracts and monthly rental contracts. If you’re considering a month-to-month lease, keep in mind that it’s a two-way street. You can end your lease at any time with proper notice, and so can your landlord.
>>Read more: Can a landlord terminate the rental agreement early?
Can I still attend the school if I live off-campus?
Yes, it is possible to attend the school even if you live off campus. Even if you’re not close to school, you can still participate in campus activities, take advantage of most campus amenities, and, of course, attend classes. If you don’t live on campus, you may need to make a conscious effort to be on campus more often.
