Living On-Campus vs Off-Campus

Preparing to start the new academic year can be a stressful time when it comes to sorting out your housing plan. Many new students can find it troubling to work out if they want to live on or off campus.

Here are some examples of what to look for in accommodation that can help you figure out where to live:

If you prefer to make your own meals…

Off-campus life may be for you. Many campuses make students purchase a meal plan with their accommodation on campus so if shopping for groceries weekly and preparing meals in advance is your type of lifestyle, off-campus life is more suited to you.

If you prefer not having to worry about parking…

On campus life can provide a stress-free daily routine of walking or cycling to your classes, rather than having to worry about finding a parking space thirty minutes before your class. Whilst you are likely to have to still splurge on a parking pass if you own a car, at least you won’t be roaming the parking lots looking for the same space that seven other students are looking for.

If you prefer having your own room and bathroom…

Off-campus life will most likely give you that for the price of a shared room and bathroom on campus. When you reach the point of wanting your own place and feeling independent, an off-campus apartment with roommates will be the next step forward.

If you prefer a large community of people coming and going…

Dorm life on campus can provide this for you with the inclusion of a resident assistant and many other students on your floor. With there always being someone around, then you always have the option to study or hang out with someone, as well as make new friends!

If you prefer the flexibility of being able to sublease…

Then off-campus life is the way to go. If anything happens and you need to return home, you have the option to sublease and take that stress and financial burden off your shoulders. Dorm life doesn’t allow you this opportunity unless you are willing to pay a hefty price to break your housing contract.

If you prefer easy living…

Living on campus will allow you many amenities included with your accommodation. Whilst you may have to pay for using the laundry machines, you will most likely be able to use the free gymnasium, close to student health services and safe transportation across campus late at night.

Ultimately, choosing the housing accommodation best for you depends on what you want most out of your college years. If you are ready to advance into adult life and settle down into such a way, then off-campus housing is most likely the way to go. However, if you want a true college experience, maybe start with a year living in one of the dorms on campus and see how you enjoy that.

College is a time of finding the right fit for you, trial and error will be your best friend these next few years.