On-Campus Vs. Off-Campus Housing: Weighing Your Options

After gaining admission to campus, you will need to think of some housing options. You can decide to live on campus or find alternative accommodation off-campus. The type of accommodation you choose should enable you to attend classes conveniently. There are a few details you should consider before making your final decision. As you weigh your options on housing, you can look at the following factors;

1. Rental Costs and Leases

Finances play a big part in the type of housing you choose. You can choose to live on campus as it is cheaper. Some campuses offer dorm rooms at a subsidized fee. This makes on-campus housing more affordable and preferable for students. On the other hand, you can find cheap housing options off-campus. Apartments built near campuses are usually meant for students hence not as expensive. If you want to live off-campus but cannot afford it, consider getting a roommate to share with you the rental costs. Changing your living arrangements after a semester when staying on campus is relatively easy compared to off-campus housing. This benefit is not guaranteed when living off-campus because a lease agreement binds you.

2. Security

When deciding on which housing option to take, you need to consider your safety. When living on campus, your security is catered for by the university’s security personnel. Sometimes classes run late. The off-campus accommodation you choose needs to have round-the-clock security to keep you and your belongings safe.

3. Privacy and Roommates

The aspect of privacy should be judged based on individual preferences. Campus management decides on how the dorm rooms are allocated. You may be required to have a roommate who can cause an invasion of privacy. Living on campus means sharing the amenities and standard rooms like the lounge area with other students. On-campus living may be difficult if you are a very private person. If you crave more control over your privacy, IUP off campus housing is a great option. You can look into getting a college pad that is suitable for students. You get to choose whether you want to have a roommate or not. If you live alone, off-campus, you can enjoy more privacy as you don’t share your apartment with another person.

4. Convenience and Socialization

Living on campus means that you will be closer to your classrooms. Because the classes are within walking distance, it is convenient to choose on-campus accommodation. Off-campus housing can be a hassle if the only apartment you can get is far from the campus. You will need to make provisions on getting to school daily regarding transport to and from campus. Alternatively, getting accommodation near the campus will prove just as efficient as living on campus. You get to socialize more when you live on campus as opposed to living off-campus. In on-campus living, most of your classmates are in the dorms too.

5. Responsibilities and Exposure

When living off-campus, you essentially live independently without anyone’s supervision. You get to take care of all your needs, from grocery shopping to cooking and cleaning. You will also have to be handy and fix any problems in the apartment, such as leaking taps or unclogging blocked toilets. You get exposure to what real life is like. When in a dorm on campus, you need not worry about cooking as meals are provided in the cafeteria. The campus does the maintenance of the dorm, and amenities are provided. However, you do get less experience of what it is like to live alone.

6. Noise and Freedom

Arguably, there is almost always a party happening somewhere within the campus dorms. The noise from such parties can be pretty distracting when you are trying to concentrate. However, the campus does hire student monitors to curb this distraction and control any wild parties. Your freedom to move in or out of the campus dorms is limited. There is a curfew that you need to abide by. You can choose an off-campus apartment that is as quiet as you want it to be. You can stay out late because there are no curfews, and you can access the apartments whenever you want.

As you can deduce from the information given above, both on-campus and off-campus living arrangements come with their pros and cons. You have to decide which benefits you want and what you can forego.