On Campus vs Off Campus Accommodation: Which Is Better?

Whenever you get selected for an abroad college or university, the next thing you think about is the choice of student accommodation, which influences your experience. These accommodation choices can be between on-campus and off-campus. One thing to consider is that both of these choices come with their benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will cover all the pros and cons of living on campus vs off campus accommodations. It does not matter whether you are a first-year student or an upperclassman; this blog has everything that you need in terms of making the right choice and getting the most out of your overseas college experience.

Overview of On Campus vs Off Campus Housing

Let's deep dive into the main part of this blog, where we explain the full overview of on campus vs off campus housing—the part you've been looking forward to! Now, without any further ado, let's take a closer look at your on campus vs off campus choices.

On Campus Housing

On campus accommodation refers to the housing options provided by educational institutions. Like universities and colleges, they provide living arrangements for their students to reside in while attending classes. These housing options can. Include dormitories, apartments, or suites typically situated close to the campus. Choosing to live on campus can offer students convenience by granting them access to facilities, resources, and social interactions with peers. Moreover, on campus living can be a way to ease into college life while immersing yourself in campus activities and events.

Off Campus Housing

Off campus student housing refers to the housing options outside of the campus area that the educational institution does not provide. These options include apartments, houses, shared rooms, or other rental properties where students can reside while attending classes. Opting for off campus apartments offers students flexibility and privacy compared to on campus alternatives. It can be a choice for students who prefer living or have family or local commitments. Additionally, living off campus allows students to immerse themselves in the community. It may also be cost-effective when compared to on campus accommodations.

Differences Between On Campus vs Off Campus Housing

While both on campus vs off campus student housing may have advantages, there ought to be some potential drawbacks. Here are some points you should consider before choosing your housing options between campus vs off campus:

Living On Campus

Living in campus housing can greatly enhance your college experience. It offers chances to connect with students, engage in campus events, and join various clubs. Now, let's delve into the pros and cons of on campus living.

Living On Campus: Pros

Below are some of the pros that have a huge impact on your on campus life:

1. Convenience: Living on campus offers a deal of convenience as it allows students to access buildings, resources and activities easily. This saves them both time and money by eliminating commutes or the need for transportation.

2. Social Opportunities: On campus apartments provide students with opportunities. Living in proximity to students enables spontaneous gatherings, group activities, and the chance to form strong friendships with peers.

3. Campus Involvement: Students who choose to reside in on-campus accommodation are more likely to engage in campus life and participate in activities like clubs, sports teams, or student government.

4. Safety: The safety aspect of on-campus housing is paramount. It is often designed with security measures such as doors, security cameras, and on-site staff. This ensures peace of mind for both students and parents by providing a sense of security.

5. Support Services: Moreover, many on campus housing options offer support services like advising, counselling, and career guidance. On campus, it is convenient for students to access these resources easily so that they can receive assistance for their success.

Living On Campus: Cons

Below are some of the cons that should be considered when you choose to live on campus:

1. Cost: On campus housing can be higher compared to off campus choices at institutions. Moreover, some schools may mandate students to purchase a meal plan, which adds to the expense.

2. Limited Space: Availability of on campus housing options might be limited for upperclassmen or transfer students. This could result in housing alternatives or difficulties in securing a preferred spot in the housing facility.

3. Lack of Privacy: Living in proximity to students may lead to limited privacy. Noise levels and disruptions from neighbouring rooms can pose challenges for students.

4. Rules and Regulations: On campus housing often comes with rules and regulations that limit a student's ability to have guests or live with the level of independence they desire.

5. Distance from Local Amenities: On campus apartments are typically situated within the campus premises, meaning students may have distances from amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Overall on campus housing can be a choice for students who prioritise convenience, social opportunities, and a sense of community. However, it may not suit every student perfectly. Before making a decision, it's crucial to evaluate the pros and cons and take into account all the factors mentioned above.

Living Off Campus

Living off-campus can be an excellent way to gain more independence and real-world experience in areas like paying bills, finding renter’s insurance, cooking meals, and negotiating contracts. But, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of off campus living before making a decision that’s right for you. Here are some of the points to keep in mind:

Living Off Campus: Pros

Here are some of the pros of living off campus that should be kept in mind at the time of making a decision:

1. Flexibility: Choosing to live off campus for student housing grants students a range of options when it comes to housing styles, locations, and amenities. This allows them to personalise their living arrangements based on their preferences and requirements.

2. Independence: Opting for off campus living empowers students with a sense of independence and self-reliance. They have the freedom to establish their rules, prepare their meals, and have more control over their living environment.

3. Cost: Off campus, apartments can be a cost choice compared to on campus alternatives, especially when splitting expenses with roommates or residing further away from campus.

4. Privacy: Living off campus offers privacy and personal space as students may have their room or apartment instead of sharing communal living areas like in on campus housing.

5. Amenities: Off campus living provides access to local amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues that may not be readily available on campus.

Living Off Campus: Cons

Here are some of the cons that should be considered when you look for off campus accommodation options:

1. Local Amenities: Living off campus can lead to commutes to and from campus, requiring time and incurring additional transportation expenses.

2. Lack of Campus Involvement: Getting involved in campus activities and events can be more challenging for students living off campus as they may not have the proximity to resources and opportunities.

3. Isolation: Some students may feel isolated when living off campus, especially if they don't have roommates or live away from campus.

4. Responsibility: Students who choose off campus accommodation may have responsibilities such as grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning, which can be difficult to balance with their workload.

5. Lack of Support Services: Off campus accommodation may not provide the level of support services as on campus housing, including advising, counselling, and career services.

In summary, off-campus accommodation offers flexibility, independence, and affordability for students who prioritise their well-being. It is also an option for students with family or work commitments. However, when it comes to off-campus student housing, it may not be a choice for every student. It is important to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of off-campus housing before deciding on your preferred housing option.

Things To Consider Before Choosing Your Accommodation

Choosing the right place to stay is a decision that can greatly impact your overall student experience. There are factors you should consider when making this decision between on campus vs off campus accommodation for your higher studies journey. Here are some important points to think about;

1. Location: Take into account the proximity of the accommodation to your campus, local amenities, and transportation options. Determine if it is convenient and easily accessible for your needs.

2. Cost: Check if the cost of accommodation falls within your budget. Remember to include expenses like utilities, transportation, and meal plans.

3. Roommates: Decide whether you prefer living with roommates or having a place all to yourself. If you opt for roommates consider their habits, personalities, and lifestyles to ensure compatibility.

4. Facilities: Consider the amenities provided by the accommodation such as facilities, fitness centres, or study rooms. Assess whether these facilities are important to you and meet your requirements.

5. Safety and Medical Support: Pay attention to safety measures like doors, security cameras, or, on-site staff at the accommodation.

6. Policies: Take into consideration policies and regulations of the accommodation, such as guest policies, noise restrictions, and pet policies. Determine if these policies align with your lifestyle and preferences.

7. Privacy: Privacy is something that cannot be found easily. Usually, students struggle with finding an accommodation that ensures their privacy and independence.

8. Travel: Students who have shifted for educational purposes should choose accommodations near their university and college. You should consider the time of travel or commute when finalising your accommodations.

9. Food: Consider the food of the accommodation and not even food, but eateries, cafes, and good restaurants should surround the accommodation. 

10. Lease Terms: Consider the lease terms of the accommodation, including the length of the lease, move-in and move-out dates, and any penalties for breaking the lease. When you’re looking for a place to live, it’s important to be aware of rental scams. Some of these rental scams include non-existing rentals, hijacked advertisements, and missing amenities. There are many ways to spot rental scams when you’re dealing with a landlord or property manager. Make sure you consider all the important details before signing a lease, like how long the lease is when you can move in and out, and what happens if you break the lease.

On Campus vs Off Campus Housing: Which is Better?

The choice between on campus vs off campus depends on each person's preferences and circumstances. Living on campus provides the convenience of being close to campus facilities, a sense of community, and enhanced security and support. However, it can be more expensive. Offer privacy and flexibility. On the other hand, off campus apartments tend to be more affordable, offer privacy, and allow more flexibility in terms of living arrangements. However, finding and securing off-campus accommodation may require responsibility and effort. There are many things to consider when selecting student housing, such as needs, preferences, budget constraints, and the availability of accommodation when choosing between on campus vs off campus

Amber Off Campus Housing

At amber, we've created a platform that makes it easy for students to find and compare housing options based on their preferences, like location, price, and amenities. Our website provides information and photos of each property along with reviews from residents so that students can make well-informed choices. Whether you're looking for something minutes away from your university or college, we have a selection of student housing options for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Book today with amber.

Choosing between on campus vs off campus accommodation ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Ultimately, students should consider their budget, lifestyle, and priorities before deciding on a housing type. However, students mainly consider living on campus accommodation in the first year of their courses. Living at the university campus in the initial semester can be helpful as it keeps students involved, and they get to learn the university routine in a better way. Now that you know the major differences between on campus vs off campus housing, you should also consider checking out university essentials to make sure you don’t forget all the important stuff before you fly away for your academic journey abroad.