Pros and Cons of Campus Dorm or Apartment
Advantages & Disadvantages of Off Campus vs. On Campus Housing
Sep 8, 2009
Students moving to college for the first time have many big decisions to make, and one of those decisions will affect the whole college experience. Dorm or apartment? It's a big question for young adults leaving a family home to begin freshman year.
First of all, apartment life may not be available to a first year college student. Some colleges and universities require that first-years stay in dormitories. Before planning, review the options made possible by the college.
Social Advantages to on or off Campus Living
A student living in a dorm room will always make social connections more easily at first than a student living off campus. Sharing close quarters with roommates can be annoying, but it can also be a boon to anyone who is shy and needs to make friends. Some college alumni state that their years of living in campus housing taught them wonderful things about how to be social and get along with others.
A student living in an apartment can set ground rules in ways that are not possible for dorm sleepers. The next big choice for someone who has chosen off-campus housing is: live alone or with friends? Living in an apartment doesn't necessarily mean missing out on the roommate experience. Choosing a two-bedroom with a friend provides each renter with more privacy and stability than sharing a dorm room in a crowded building. As such, apartments are recommended for adult and returning students.
For new college students who are outgoing and have no problem making friends, apartments can be good places to organize parties and social events, so what begins as a social hindrance may end as an advantage.
Apartment vs. Dorm: Quality & Convenience
Depending on the type and length of commute, dorms can save students hours from each day. Time can be valuable, too, especially for anyone who is taking a heavy course load and needs to study hard.
Apartment or dorm, any domicile can have quality problems. Cheap carpets and ugly siding are facts of life for any student living on a low budget; these are just part of the college adventure. But other issues can be unhealthy or hazardous. Take a tour and check for mold, decay, shoddy construction and other building problems. An inexpensive apartment is more likely to have safety concerns than a university; check for exposed wiring, blocked fire escape routes and other serious problems before signing any lease.
Dorm Life: Cheaper than Apartments?
At face value, renting a dorm room may not be much cheaper than renting an apartment. A private dorm can run easily as much as a cheap studio's rental fee. But several factors affect the cost difference. For instance:
- Commutes cost money. An apartment located near the college can sometimes be more expensive than an apartment located a few miles away, which means that a smart student must factor in the cost of driving or taking the bus to school.
- Apartments have hidden costs. A dorm room will usually come with electricity, water, sewer, trash, heat, and internet/phone services all paid for. These costs vary by area, but it is always best to be aware of what they might add up to before deciding to sign a lease.
- On the other hand, campus meal services are generally expensive. Whether living in a dorm or living off campus, students who want to save money should make their own meal plan and cook for themselves.
Choosing Between Types of Student Housing
All in all, there are many reasons to choose living in a dorm and many other reasons to choose an apartment. Cost, convenience and social aspects of living should all be considered; the ultimate decision rests should depend on each student's own preferences. Knowing how to furnish with space-saving, cool dorm furniture will improve a dormitory as well.
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