Off campus housing could be right for you, but this is a decision to make carefully.
At some point in their academic career, most students have to choose between on and off campus housing.
Many schools encourage students to live on the school grounds during their first year at school.
Afterward, upperclassmen can choose between staying in on dorms and school apartments and living on their own.
Each of these choices has pros and cons.
Every student has to make the personal decision that is best for his or her living situation and academic career.
Pros and Cons of Living in School Property The proximity to everything in the academic institution is one of the top reasons to choose to live on school property.
The dorms and school apartment are close to academic buildings for classes.
This means that the morning commute will be easy for students.
Many college students keep busy schedule, so living on school grounds close to everything allows some extra time for sleeping or studying without having to drive or commute.
One of the bad things about dorms is that they tend to be noisy.
Even with noise regulations, having a large amount of students together who keep different schedules and lifestyles, it is bound to get loud regularly.
Many students also like to party during college.
This can be a hindrance to study time and quiet living.
Living off School Property One of the best reasons for living off school property is that student get to choose their own living situation.
Off campus housing in the form of an apartment rental is a popular choice.
Students can find a roommate to keep down the cost while in school.
Having one or two roommates that is chosen by the school allows students more control over living circumstances.
Some students may elect to rent a room in a house as well.
This is a low maintenance method.
Affording Your Home One of the biggest worries with living away from the school is that renting an apartment is less affordable.
For campuses with high dorm and meal plan costs, living somewhere else can save money.
In order to properly afford off campus housing students can work during the summer, as well as during the school year.
By working all summer, students can save up a large deposit and several months of rent.
Students can also plan out their financial aid to receive the money necessary to stay away from school grounds.
After school refunds are issued for excess funds, the student can use the refund to pay for the off campus housing.
Be sure to go over the calculations several times to make sure there will be enough money to afford the living situation.
It is a good idea for a college student to set a monthly budget for rent, utilities, and food that meets all requirements.