College Student Housing Options

Finding a new place to live as a college student can be quite a burden. As Suite 101 shares:

One of the hardest decisions college and university students must make when going away to school is where to live. Should you live on campus on one of the residence buildings? Or should you live off-campus in student housing? Unless you’re one of the lucky (or unlucky, depending how you look at it) few that can remain living at home throughout your university career, you’ll have to make the decision.

The right choice all depends on your situation, and whether or not you can afford a college dorm.

The advantages of living on campus

Suite 101 goes on to list some of the advantages of living on campus:

Sense of community – It’s easier to make friends and there is always someone around to talk to or find a study buddy.

Great location – Most university residences are located directly on campus putting you nice and close to classrooms, libraries, student life centers, food and much more.

Don’t need a car – Living on campus gets rid of a daily commute and the need to own an automobile. All you need are your own two feet.

Safety and security – College campuses have all kinds of security features, including walk programs and 24 hour emergency contacts.

Easy living – Moving into college residence is quick and dirty. They provide you with everything that you need (including furniture) as well as a college checklist for other items you may need to bring.

These benefits can definitely make college life easier and more manageable. If you feel a bit homesick, having a roommate can do wonders.

The benefits of living off campus

On the other side of the coin, living off campus also has its pros, according to Suite 101:

Less expensive – Living off campus is generally cheaper than living on residence.

More space – You will definitely have more space living in an off campus house or student apartment rather than living in the dorms.

More privacy – It’s easier to find time to yourself living off campus. Even if you have college roommates, you will have your own room and your own space where you can retreat.

Quieter – The noise levels are less extreme in off-campus college housing, but they aren’t completely gone. Nevertheless, it will be easier to sleep and study in off-campus living.

You get to choose your roommate – Say goodbye to the roommate matched to you by some unholy questionnaire.

Living off-campus may also mean more freedom when it comes to curfew, since many college dorms have strict rules regarding curfews and schedules.

Getting tenant loans

If you’re worried about how to finance your college housing, College Scholarships has a great tip for you:

Money for college housing is not easy to find and there’s just not much of it earmarked on its own merit. Most of the time you will receive assistance through general grants that also cover living and transportation expenses. State governments are a solid source for college grants like this.

Seek out extra financial aid or loans if you should need a little help with paying for your housing. Also, remember to get help from family members if ever you get into a financial pinch.

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