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
When looking for a college dorm, there are some essential things to be considered. Remember that your college dorm will serve as your second home for the next four or five years, so you should at least feel comfortable in the place where you’re going to spend the rest of your college days. In addition to comfort, other important things to consider for on-campus housing are the following: location, financial costs, amenities, and privacy.
Ask or get recommendations from other students and upper classmen
There are good reasons why many people recommend living on-campus for the first year or two during college. One of these is that living in college dorms allows them to get a sense of community and make it easier for them to make the transition to college life. You can get information on on-campus accommodations from your university’s website, but it would be more helpful and effective if you get the opinions and recommendations of students and upper classmen who have experienced living in those campus quarters. When doing so, ask them about the following:
Amenities and privacy
Most students complain about having to share a bathroom with half of the students on the same floor. If you’re particularly picky about sharing a bathroom or bedroom with someone else, you can consider getting a “singles” room. This, however, may cost more as you’ll have to shoulder all the costs. Is the dorm building known for its spontaneous parties and late night ruckus? If you’re the private type and you want to concentrate on studying, go for dorms that are more low-key in popularity. There are lesser chances of frat boys and keg party people living there.
Location and financial costs
Even though these are on-campus dorms, not all are located near the buildings where classes are held. Especially for universities with huge campus grounds, some schools may even have shuttles or some form of transport service for students to go from one building to another. Depending on your preference, you can choose a dorm that’s close to where most of your classes are held or go for one that’ll give you a few minutes of walking time. More importantly, compare the prices of the available on-campus dorms to see if they’re within your budget.
Photo Credit : waffler
