You’ve done your campus visits, filled out your application forms and finally made your decision which university to attend . Don’t think your decisions are over just yet! One of the main influencers of how your college years will play out is where you decide to live. There are definite advantages to both on and off-campus living for you to consider. Below is a list of things to think about as you get started:
1. Price comparisons: While living on campus might seem more expensive at first, there are other costs to consider when renting an off-campus apartment or house to share with other students. For starters, there’s a gas, electric and cable bill that will roll around every month. Don’t forget the cost of eating, as well. While meal plans for on-campus cafeterias might lead to sticker shock, have you been to a supermarket lately? If you life off campus, you’ll have a kitchen to stock, as well. One more thing to think about is the cost of getting to and from classes every day. If you drive, there are gas and parking costs as well.
2. Social activities: While some of you aren’t going to college to achieve a more active social life, others are looking forward to their first dose of independence. Living on campus means living among other like-minded people all at a similar stage in life. There’s a certain energy involved that leads to spontaneity. Some students want to separate themselves from any temptation that might interfere with their studies by living off campus. Those who do enjoy more privacy in the bathroom and with regards to sleeping arrangements. Even a private phone conversation can be hard to come by at times for dorm residents. The key here is to really give some thought to the kind of person you are and what your personal needs are.
3. Will I be able to study? What dorm dwellers lack in privacy is offset by the accessibility of ample places to go to study in quiet. Campus libraries are often open around the clock, especially during finals week. If you opt to live on campus, you can easily meet with study groups or get yourself to the computer lab at any hour of the day or night. Don’t forget to consider the weather in your area, as well. All it would take would be one big snow storm to keep you away from class if you live off campus.
4. What do I want from my college experience? To you, college could be a necessary time in life to carve out a better future for yourself. Or, you could be in search of four additional years to transition from child to adult. Can you see how these two types of students would differ greatly in their choice of living arrangements? College offers a rare time in life when a student usually lives away from home for the first time. Where you live will have an enormous impact on how those years play out for you.
As you can see, there are clear advantages in both scenarios. There is an option that might present the best of both worlds if you’re still on the fence. Most college towns have apartment, house, duplex or even condo rentals within walking distance of the heart of lecture halls, shopping and night life. It might serve you well to look into these as well.
Bob Rome is a higher education writer and part time university instructor. He has contributed to websites on online degree programs and online degrees in education.
categories: on-campus housing,college life,campus life,tips for students,college,university,higher education,education and reference
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