Is Off-Campus Living Worth It? Pros and Cons to Consider

When shortlisting universities for studying abroad, one thing that crosses your mind is whether living on-campus or searching for off-campus student accommodation is the right fit for you. This is a dilemma faced by millions of students worldwide. To make the right decision, students have to think about what suits them the best, which feels dreadful and is time-consuming. Off-campus often feels like a viable solution because of more independence, budget-friendliness and privacy. But often, students neglect the alternative of staying on campus, which can also harm the decision-making process. In this blog, we will have a fair, comparative study about the pros and cons of living off campus.

Pros of Off-Campus Housing

Staying off-campus comes with a lot of perks for students. Renting student accommodation can be less expensive compared to on-campus accommodation. It offers more independence and privacy. With fewer interruptions and quieter environments, it is ideal for studying alone. All these benefits have been elaborated on below:

Privacy

Unlike other on-campus housing, you have greater control over the people who enter your living space. You can limit access to trustworthy people like your roommates, close friends and family. Students can have guests at the apartment without worrying about breaking dorm rules. It will be simpler for you and your flatmates to keep tabs on each other, leading to greater privacy. Having guests over will never be an issue, and breaking dorm rules will be the least of your concerns.

Personal Space

You will have much more personal space to work with as you can stay alone or share the flat. You can arrange the space how you like, like adjusting the temperature, furniture and lighting, without worrying about interacting with roommates. You will likely have your bedroom, living room and bathroom and access to a backyard or patio. This is helpful when studying for exams, as you have room to focus.

Independence

On-campus housing demands getting well-versed with the rules and regulations of the dorm. Living off-campus permits you to live independently and sustainably. You make financial decisions based on priorities and save for the future. You take on more responsibility and develop essential life skills like budgeting, time management, and household maintenance. You learn to navigate living in the real world, communicate effectively with landlords, manage disputes with roommates, and take care of yourselves in a new place. This prepares you for independent living after college. 

Improved Communication

One of the greatest advantages of living off-campus for international students is that they can strengthen their communication skills. They can brush up their English skills in complete privacy without being judged by someone. Staying at a student accommodation often means sharing your place with roommates. It creates great opportunities for putting your communication skills into practice. Sharing a living space demands clear communication about your expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries. This helps students learn how to put forward their needs and enhances effective negotiation. You also learn useful communication habits like writing professional emails and conflict resolution. 

Commuter Programs

Opting for an off-campus living can offer a range of benefits. The University of Houston offers commuter assistant programs to allow students to stay connected when they’re away. Commuters are given a choice to pick their preferred meal plans thanks to certain commuter meal plan packages. It can be cost-effective on housing expenses, as they do not have to pay for on-campus housing. It is affordable for students to participate in commuter programs while still receiving the benefits of living off-campus. Commuter programs are quite flexible regarding transportation options, and students can choose public transportation, walk, bike or drive to campus depending on their schedule and personal preference. 

Avoid Chaos

Off-campus student accommodations lack the move-in process, random room checks, evacuations and fire alarms, all a college life experience. Sometimes, some resident halls demand students to move out during their winter break, which can be a hassle, mainly for those who live in other states and are just not ready to go home for the break yet. Some face separation anxiety with their belongings and have difficulty locking up those items for weeks. 

Cons of Off-Campus Housing

Along with the pros of off-campus housing come the cons as well. Here are some relevant points that you must consider before opting for off-campus student accommodation:

Cost

Choosing the perfect apartment with amenities and space can be expensive. The search for the best student housing near your university will take a lot of time and can be mentally exhausting. You are responsible for all household expenses, including utilities, cable, and phone when living alone. Many other miscellaneous expenses like furnishing will have to be carried by yourself. Searching for budget-friendly student accommodations should be the top priority if you stay alone in a new city.

Isolation

It is common to experience the fear of missing out when we are living off-campus, as you feel isolated from the rest of society as everyone else is there daily. Making new acquaintances and participating in social activities can be more difficult. One of the best feelings about living on campus is the sense of belonging, as you and your friends are only a few steps away. But off-campus housing is spread out, so your classmates must travel long distances to meet you, which can be inconvenient. If you do not have good acquaintances near you, it can be difficult to deal with isolation, and one must always try to find housing with roommates present. Always seek a mental health professional if you are struggling to stay alone. 

Travel Time and Distance

You will have to drive to your university if you live away from campus, which means an expenditure for petrol or public transport. Student housing does not guarantee that it will be within the university’s vicinity, and they may have to travel a long distance daily. This reduces your time for studying and socializing. Taking classes will require a lengthier walk as your home is not on your campus, for which you have to leave earlier in the morning, which might be tiresome and maddening at times.

Increased Accountability

You are solely responsible for paying rent and utilities, which can be a major financial burden. You must ensure you have money to cover these expenses each month and follow the regulations set by your landlord or risk facing eviction. You will be responsible for household chores, including cleaning common areas, taking out the trash, and maintaining the outdoor space, making you accountable for yourself. 

Whether one must live on or off campus finally comes down to the need to be physically present at college. First-year students decide to stay on campus initially, but as time passes, they take up more responsibilities, and the need to stay there reduces as their life begins to take off. It is a personal choice and ultimately up to you to make it. Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of living off-campus, it is time to decide. Follow your gut instinct, and never second-guess yourself. If you are prepared enough, you will get the university experience you have always dreamt of. All the best!