Student Accommodation: Should You Choose On-Campus or Off-Campus Housing?

Going to university or college ranks as one of the most transformational experiences you can have. It’s one of the most exciting times of your life but it can also be extremely stressful. It’s the time when you discover your independence. However, to make the transition from home to college life does require a little planning and preparation, especially when it comes to choosing your student accommodation. 

One of the decisions you’re likely to have to make is whether you opt for on-campus or off campus housing. Of course, there are pros and cons for both of them – and we’re here to help you to make an informed decision. 

The Pros and Cons on On-Campus Accommodation 

For many first-year students, residing in on-campus accommodation is mandatory. While this may not be your first choice, there are many advantages to be gained by living on-campus during your first year of study. It helps to ease your transition into student life, especially if you have never lived away from home before or you’re an international student. Other benefits of staying on-campus include:

• Distance from classes and lectures – there’s no need for transport, you can simply walk to class. 
• Utility and internet bills are usually included – there’s no need to budget any of your student loans to pay for utility, cable or internet bills. 
• Fully furnished spaces – your new room will be completely furnished with at least a bed, desk and chair and some kind of closet. Some rooms may even include ensuite facilities. 
• Great for Socializing – as first year students living on campus you are literally all in the same boat which makes it much easier to socialize together and make new friends. You’ll also have access to organized events such as movie and games nights and communal dinners and get to meet people in onsite gyms and other communal areas. 

However, also bear in mind that your new-found independence may be limited somewhat by mandatory study and quiet hours, curfews, set mealtimes and the Resident Assistants. 

The Pros and Cons of Off-Campus Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation comes in many different guises from solo studios and ensuite rooms to shared houses and is usually best suited to students who’ve already had experience of living away from home. However, there are definitely some benefits of living off-campus for first year students too, especially if you manage to secure a place in purpose-built student accommodation. These properties tend to offer similar benefits to on-campus student halls.  Perhaps the biggest benefits of living off-campus are: 

• More independence – there won’t be any Resident Assistants to tell you what to do and you can say goodbye to fixed mealtimes and curfews, meaning you can come and go as you please. 
• Many off-campus properties include the cost of utilities in your rent making it easy for you to budget. 
• Today’s off-campus accommodation is likely to be on par with on-campus rooms, so you’ll find fully furnished rooms that you can personalize with your own stuff. 
• Privacy – perhaps one of the major benefits of living off campus. You can choose to live in student housing, rent an apartment with a fellow student or live alone in a studio. There’s no need to share if you don’t want to or spend time in communal areas. 
• Fantastic facilities – some accommodation providers have really pulled out the stops and offer facilities such as coffee bars, swimming pools, car parking and more in addition to the standard amenities such as study areas, communal areas and gyms. 

On-Campus or Off-Campus: Which Will You Choose? 

Unless you are required to stay on campus for your academic year, the decision is very much down to personal choice. However, in some colleges, you may find that on-campus accommodation is reserved for first year students. Each kind of accommodation offers its own benefits. Which will you choose? 

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