Student Apartments: Living On Campus or Off

For many, the choice of whether or not to look into student apartments isn't much of a choice at all. More and more people are going back to school later in life, where living in the dorms isn't a particularly appealing option. After all, no one wants to be the only 30 or 40 year old in a housing complex filled with kids who just turned 18. Then there are those who go to school in places where no on-campus living accommodations are provided. But then there are those who do have a choice. Would you be better off living in the dorms or finding your own place? Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of living off campus.

Consideration: Price

Depending on where you live and what school you're going to, student apartments may be cheaper or more expensive than living in the dorms. Some schools charge a premium for their on-campus housing, making it prohibitively expensive for many students trying to save every last dollar they can. Others provide considerably cheaper housing, to the point where finding a place to stay away from the school would cost a lot more. If money is an issue, look closely at the financial details of both and make the right decision. Don't forget to adjust for utilities and other such charges you will incur if you choose to live off campus.

Consideration: Independence

Student apartments certainly afford you much more independence and privacy than living in the dorms. You will have to abide by the laws of the lease, of course, but these will be far less strict than those of the dorm. You won't have to worry (much) about being kicked out of school or being brought before the disciplinary committee for something you did in your own place off campus. On the other hand, this privacy will bring with it considerably more responsibility. You'll have to do your own grocery shopping, cover transportation to and from the school, and you won't have the academic atmosphere you may need to stay focused on your grades.

Consideration: The Future

This is where student apartments really shine. Once you graduate, finding a place off campus will no longer be a choice: it will be a necessity. And finding your first place to live can be challenging without showing that you're a student. Having a record of living in an apartment will give you a reference that can make getting a new place much easier than it might have been otherwise. Plus, you'll have some experience living on your own, meaning you won't have to deal with culture shock that often hits young people as they graduate and move into the real world.