Living On Campus Vs. Off Campus

When considering where to live during your educational future, one of the highest priority decisions you will make is whether to live on campus or off. While there are many options out there for housing, not everyone will speak to the experience a young adult is looking to gather from their time in school.

For many students, college has become a right of passage, or a life experience rather than a time of education which acts as a stepping stone to their livelihood. When considering whether to live on or off campus, you should start by asking yourself what is important to you about you living arrangements, and why. Here, we will explore some of the pros and cons pertaining to each living arrangement scenario.

Pros Of Living On Campus:

• Safety. Living on campus will typically mean more security, more rules, and a more intimately controlled environment. While it is not impossible to have outsiders wander in the campus housing or have safety-related issues, there is more familiarity and structure specific to the school. If there are problems, students can bring awareness to the school for disciplinary measures and investigation. Schools want to have a great reputation and it is hoped that a school would deal with issues in order to keep students safe and protected.
• Convenience. It is a bonus to already be on campus and not have to worry about commuting, cars or parking. A big bonus. And there is also the potential savings on a car in general. Some students rideshare or Uber/Lyft when they need to go off campus and are otherwise self-sufficient without a car by living on campus.
• ore social involvement. Students going into a new school don’t typically have a ton of friends upon entry like they did in their hometown classrooms. For many, the idea of starting over with friendships can be daunting (and lonely), especially in the first year. Knowing this, schools tend to organize mixers and different events for students on campus to get to know each other and hopefully form friendships and comradery. By living on campus, students will have greater access to these events as well as roommates that attend the same school and can be built in companionship while getting to know their surroundings.

Cons Of Living On Campus:

• More restrictive lifestyle. If you are looking for total freedom and don’t want any rules imposed on your living arrangements, then on-campus living may not be for you. Schools tend to have rules and regulations to protect the greater good of the student body how they see fit, which may not mesh with your own ideology.
• Cost: Living on Campus can be pricey. This will depend on the school and what is included, but students can many times find a better deal living off campus with roommates, depending on the city.
Pros Of Living Off Campus:

• Cost Savings. Many times, living on campus is pricier than finding your own living quarters elsewhere. By sharing rent, utilities, and groceries with roommates off campus, the savings can really add up- provided you are staying with like-minded roommates. Better yet- living at home with family for FREE is an even bigger saving if you go to school locally. Yes, it can cramp your style, but there is plenty of room for style later on when you don’t have mountains of debt dictating your every move because of debilitating student loans.
• Privacy. Living off campus can provide extra privacy for those who are more introverted and need more space to recharge. Living on campus can be too busy (and stifling) for some personalities, making living off campus more appealing.
• Choice of neighborhood. Don’t like the area your school is in? Living off campus gives you the ability to pick more carefully where you live, with the amenities that you prioritize.

Deciding where to live during school is a big decision, but can thankfully be changed throughout the course of your education. Try an arrangement, if you don’t like it, you can change. Just be sure to look at any requirements or time restrictions with on-campus housing and leases so you are always aware of your options and don’t create unnecessary issues.