Sick of living in a dorm at a college? Do you find it to be overly crowded? Space is limited. Can’t live with all your friends? Just not the way of life you’re after? While there are pros and cons to living on campus, it is up to you to decide if living off campus would be beneficial to you specifically. Moving off campus is a big decision for any college student. But if you’re looking to save some money and enjoy more freedom, it might just be the right choice for you
Living off campus is usually less expensive than living on campus. Many college students must be frugal with their money and pick carefully where to spend it. If money is limited, there are several possibilities for off-campus housing in affordable apartments. A student on a tight budget can live comfortably in a decent-sized apartment, and oftentimes utilities are included! This can save you from spending hundreds of dollars on utilities you may only need for a year or two. This is especially true if you choose to live with roommates in your new apartment. The cost per person may be significantly decreased by choosing a big apartment with multiple housemates, which can also enhance one’s college experience!
The quality of your college experience is greatly influenced by your roommate(s.) Living in an off campus apartment allows you to pick your housemates, whereas living in campus dorms may make this process more difficult. Off campus housing makes it simple to rent an apartment with friends, coworkers, or your partner. You will have more ability to take control of your living situation once off campus. While suites and quads are much more limited in dorms, you have the opportunity to live with as many roommates as you choose while living in a house or apartment. Many houses even have space for more than 20 people!
Some of us like to live close to campus because it’s convenient and allows us to get things done quickly before or after class, which is still possible while living off campus. If you’re looking to move off campus but still be within walking distance of the school, it is important to weigh your options. Here at SUNY Cortland there are endless opportunities to live near campus, trading the struggle of finding parking for a 10 minute walk. The convenience of being close to other goods and services is possible as well. If that’s what you’re after, consider looking for houses or apartments between DeGroat Hall and Main St., as you’ll be within walking distance of both.
With dorms come RA’s and rules. While some people find this to be completely acceptable, others would rather live in a place where there are fewer restrictions. Even while these guidelines aim to foster a healthy living environment, which they do, renting your own apartment gives you the freedom to choose your schedule and pursue your own interests.
Living away from campus, at least for a few years, is one of the best ways to gain valuable real-world experience that can help you later in life after graduation. Living off-campus is a crash course in responsibility since you have to pay your own rent (something most students don’t have to worry about when living on campus) and manage all the other costs that come with owning your own apartment. You’ll start to incorporate time management, budgeting, and cooking into your regular daily activities. You’ll become a fully-fledged adult soon enough.
This is an exciting process but, do your homework! You don’t want to wind up in a sketchy part of town or an apartment out of your price range. Ask your friends who already rent off-campus for advice if you need help deciding where to start. Before you begin looking, save a lot of money. You want to be able to spend where you want and need to. In order to reduce stress, begin your search early and weigh your options. If you find yourself in the process of moving off campus make sure it is a decision you won’t regret!