Thinking of Living Off Campus?
Look Before You Lease
Getting an off-campus apartment (if your college allows it) is an appealing option for many college students. However, living outside of the university system has its advantages and disadvantages, freedoms and responsibilities. It's important to get all the facts before you sign that first lease.
Living Off Campus: Pros and Cons
The first thing to do before deciding to live off campus is to consider how you live and study. Apartment or house living involves some trade-offs. For example, you can save money on housing by sharing an apartment, but you may need to spend money on commuting to campus. Here are some things to consider.
Pros
- Living off campus can be cheaper than living in university housing, depending on circumstances.
- You'll probably have more independence, freedom, privacy and space.
- Private apartments are usually quieter and have fewer distractions than dorms, which makes them better for studying.
- Having a rental history makes it easier to get a place to live after you graduate.
- You can make your own meals.
- There are probably fewer people sharing the bathroom. You may even have your own private bathroom.
Cons
- Living off campus can actually be more expensive. You’ll probably have to pay a security deposit and the first and last month's rent, as well as utilities. Additional costs may include furniture, furnishings, appliances, cleaning supplies, groceries and transportation.
- You need to arrange your own Internet and cable TV connections.
- You have more chores: renters usually spend more time grocery shopping, preparing meals, cleaning and commuting than dorm dwellers.
- If you have a one or more housemates, you have to negotiate agreements on household concerns such as privacy, sharing housework, and dividing utility bills and rent.
- You may be more isolated from campus and other students.
- You have more responsibilities and liabilities.
- For year-long leases, you may need to find someone to sublet your place during the summer.
Think about what's important to you and put together your own pros and cons list. You might also want to do a side-by-side comparison of all the expenses involved in living on campus versus living off campus.
If you do decide to live off campus, see if your college has an off-campus housing office that can advise you on where to search and what you should know about signing a lease.
