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 best way of dealing with this dilemma is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option in order to determine what is right for you.
Living On Campus
Pros:
- 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.
Cons:
- Higher cost - The residence fees are often higher than off-campus housing because you're paying for the convenience of living on campus.
- Lots of noise - Residences can get very loud and noisy and at all hours of the night. So if you are the type of person that needs a lot of peace and quiet to sleep and study then it might not be right for you.
- Lack of privacy - Finding time to yourself is limited to when your roommate is off in class. Even then it's hard to really be by yourself as there is always something going on in the dorms. Getting along with your roommate is another issue that may arise in the dorms.
- Sharing space - Sharing a space with a roommate means you have to learn to compromise. Sharing a bathroom with many people may also not be desirable and certainly isn't glamorous. Learning to live with a messy roommate is another issue that may arise.
Living Off Campus
Pros:
- 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.
Cons:
- Miscellaneous expenses - There will be many hidden costs associated with living off campus that can greatly increase the cost of living. This includes utilities (hydro, water, etc) cable and internet bills, parking (at school and off-campus) and commuting costs.
- You may need to buy furniture - Not all off-campus houses are furnished which may be a dilemma to some students.
- Cut-off from campus life - You may feel disconnected from campus activities when living on your own off-campus.
- Longer commute - Buy living off campus you will be further away from campus building and necessities.
By carefully looking at the pros and cons of living off-campus vs. on campus housing, you'll find it easier to make the right decision as to where to live. Either way you go you'll be sure to have an enjoyable living experience that suits your needs and personal preferences, and will help you on your road to academic success.
