When you think about the quintessential college experience, you probably conjure up images of a dorm room. But, the truth is that only 22% of US college students live in dorms on campus.
If you’re trying to decide where you should live while you attend college, consider off campus student housing options.
How do you know if living off campus is the right choice for you? We’re glad you asked. Keep reading to learn more about off campus housing so you can decide if it makes sense for your college experience.
How to Find off Campus Student Housing
If you’re considering living off campus, the first thing you need to do is see if you even have the option to do so. Some universities require students to live on campus for at least a bit. Check with your university’s requirements to see what options are available to you.
If you do have the option to live off campus, next you’ll need to find a place to live. To see your options, do a search for university off campus housing near you.
Once you find a few places you’re interested in, it’s time to take a closer look. When looking for student housing, first and foremost, you need to choose something you can afford. As a good rule of thumb, try to keep your rent and utility costs less than 30% of your monthly income so you don’t overextend yourself.
Be sure you get a full understanding of exactly what the rent covers before signing a lease as well. Some housing options, for example, include internet in the rent price, so keep that in mind when comparing options.
Finally, make sure you do a thorough walkthrough before signing a lease. During this time, check to make sure all the locks work, look for visible signs of damage, and pay attention to the overall vibe of the neighborhood to see if it’s a good fit.
Pros and Cons of Living off Campus
So, now that you know more about how to find off campus student housing, how do you know if it’s right for you? Consider these pros and cons as you make your decision.
Pros
One reason students love living off campus is that it naturally gives them more freedom and space. Off campus apartments are often quieter than dorm rooms, as well, making it easier to stay focused while you study.
If you value your privacy, you’ll also love that you won’t have to share a bathroom with as many people if you choose not to live in the dorms.
Cons
Some students might feel like they’re not getting the full “college experience” by skipping the dorms. However, that varies by person. Living off campus also means that you’ll have a longer commute to get to class, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Enjoy Your College Living Situation
After learning more about off campus student housing, you have the information you need to make the right decision about where to live during college. As a result, you can make the most of these special years of your life!
Looking for home content regardless of where you decide to live? Browse through our other articles before you go.
