Cons and downsides
Living in off-campus apartments grants you the freedom to do whatever you want, unrestricted by campus rules and regulations. However, because you’re outside the jurisdiction of campus rules, this also means you are not afforded with the security and safety that the college provides. Remember that in off-campus accommodations, there are no roaming guards to check for intruders in the wee hours of the night, and no residence assistance staff to run to. Students who go for off-campus living may also find that they feel detached from the school community, because they’re less updated on campus events and activities.
Aside from security and safety, another significant downside to living in off-campus college dorms and apartments is financial costs. Off-campus accommodations tend to be more expensive than campus dorms, especially if the apartment is a bit far from campus. If this is the case, you might not be able to avail of student discounts from the landlord. Factoring in your expenses for books, handouts, food, house bills, and transportation (parking or commute costs), your overall monthly expenses can total to huge amounts.
Pros and perks
Off-campus apartments and accommodations do not impose curfews on student tenants. This means that you’re free to stay out late at the library or coffee shops when cramming for a paper or report. Another perk you get with off-campus housing is that you get to choose your roommate, and that’s if you even want one at all. Off-campus apartments are usually quieter, and you get more privacy by not being forced to share a room with someone. This also means that you get more space (physically, emotionally, and mentally).
So before deciding whether to live on or off-campus, collect and compare the rent rates of on-campus dorms and off-campus apartments found in nearby areas. Also try to weigh which, for you, are the more important elements of the college experience – whether peace and privacy are more important, or the sense of community living in on-campus dorms affords.
Photo Credit : Here In Van Nuys
