The Pros and Cons of Living on Campus in College

If you are a college student trying to decide whether to stay on or off campus, you have come to the right place! Living on campus in a dorm can be an amazing experience, but not necessarily for everyone. It is a big decision that can affect your social life, budgeting and academic performance. But hey, you don’t need to worry about that! In this blog, we have curated the pros and cons of living on campus, which will help you make the correct decision. Whether you are looking to live with your friends on campus or prefer the independence of living off campus, we got you covered. So let’s dive into understanding how on-campus life is for students and see whether dorm life is right for you! 

On-campus life

As much as you must have heard about on-campus living from a senior, it can be a question that could be lingering in your mind. It’s completely human of you, so don’t worry. Although living independently sounds fun, on-campus living isn’t that bad either. On-campus living is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. But trust us, this is a must-have experience you can possibly have as an international student. You get to interact with people from all over the world, and you never know. You might even meet your soulmate or new bestie! Although the cafeteria food isn't usually gourmet quality, living in the dorms allows you to try various excellent dishes. Now that you know how on-campus life is for students, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living on campus.

Dorm life pros and cons

When choosing student housing while studying, there isn’t a single solution that fits all. What might work for one student may not work for you, and vice versa. So don’t stress; if living on campus is required for freshmen at your university, there are still lots of choices to think about for your sophomore year and beyond where in you can choose to stay off campus too, but make sure you read these 10 things you need to know about off-campus housings.

The pros of living on campus

The advantages of Living on campus can be endless for college students! Here are some of the main pros of living on campus: 

• Socialising: Living in a dorm lets you meet new people who share your interests, which can be empowering. If you're shy or introverted, having a support system of dorm roommates and neighbours can help you adapt to your new college life more easily, knowing that you have people who have your back.
• Campus Activities: Living on campus opens the door to many group activities and clubs. Off-campus residents are still welcome to participate, but dorm and Greek life events, like Halloween decoration competitions or yoga evenings, are easier to access and better attended by on-campus students.
• Safety: You're less likely to find yourself alone on campus as there are always people around, and first aid kits and campus police are nearby 24/7 to keep you safe.
• Access to Libraries and Gyms: Living on campus grants you access to late-night facilities like the gym and library, which can benefit those who prefer studying or exercising during quieter hours.
• Cafeteria: With your meal plan card, you can access various cafeteria options on campus, catering to specific dietary requirements and preferences. There are also swipes for privately run on-campus eateries like Starbucks, which makes dining a breeze.
• Flexible Schedules: Living closer to your classes will let you sleep in a bit later and negates the worries of parking and running to class. It also gives you time for breakfast and power naps in between classes. 
• Job Opportunities: As a senior or junior in your dorm, you can apply to be Resident Advisor; you can get a job opportunity for a free or discounted room and valuable work experience.
• Connections and Lifelong Friends: Living in close proximity with the same people encourages and often leads to lasting friendships beyond college.

The cons of living on campus

Realistically, it’s not all happy at dorms! There are downsides to living on campus too. Some of the cons include the following: 

• Incompatible roommates: Living with incompatible roommates can be tough when you are sharing a room with someone you just met. As a new student in your university, you may end up in a dorm you didn't expect, which can be unsettling.
• Limited Privacy: Lack of privacy can disadvantage dorm life, as many on-campus living plans only offer an open room with two or more beds and desks. Communal living can be difficult if you're used to having your own private space.
• Common Bathrooms: Sharing a common bathroom/shower can be a con to living on campus, and it can be up to you to clean it in some cases. Laundry rooms are also shared so scheduling can be problematic. 
• Overeating in Cafeterias: Open access to cafeterias can lead to overindulging, and weight gain can be a concern for some students.
• Higher Expenses: Living off-campus with friends can be better, but it can also require additional expenses for furniture and transportation.
• Increased Risk of Illness: Illnesses can spread easily in communal living spaces, so be sure to practice good hygiene and care for yourself.
• Frequent Shifting: Packing up and moving out during the summer months can be a hassle, especially if you plan to keep the same dorm room for the following academic year. You'll either have to bring your belongings home or pay for storage. You can check out the moving-in checklist for students since you may need one too! 

We have tried to cover most of the pros and cons of living on campus. On the one hand, it provides easy access to campus resources, a supporting neighbourhood, and convenient amenities. However, it can also come with challenges like difficult roommates, lack of privacy, and illness. Before deciding to live on campus, you must carefully consider your options and needs to make sure that they will be a good fit for you. It's important to check everything out, including the halls, roommates, amenities, and policies, before committing to living on campus. By doing so, students can make informed conclusions that will set them up for a successful and enjoyable college experience. Before deciding make sure you checkout most beautiful campuses in the USA.

So, if you do realize that off-campus student accommodation is the ideal option for you, head to Amber and find the most affordable student accommodations near your university that come with state-of-the-art amenities and are easy to book!