Still Deciding
Still Deciding?

Thinking about living off-campus? Living off-campus can provide many opportunities to get involved in the community. At the same time, the off-campus living experience brings with it other issues that you don’t have to worry about while living on-campus, such as transportation, parking, and increased living expenses. On-campus residence halls provide convenient opportunities to socialize, academic advising assistance, opportunities for leadership development, and numerous recreational and social programs that help you grow intellectually and have fun at the same time. When you move off-campus, it can be harder to meet people or feel connected.

While off-campus living can enrich your college experience and enhance your independence, it is a significant responsibility. Are you ready to negotiate a rental agreement, household chores, relationships with roommates, and writing a monthly rent check? Before taking the plunge, here are a few things to consider:

  • Did you know that, according to the American Council on Education, “Students who live on-campus have a 10 to 15 percent better chance of doing well in college than students living off-campus”?

  • Did you know that students who live off-campus spend an average of 91 hours per year cleaning, paying bills, fixing things, cooking, doing dishes, and commuting to campus (e.g., finding parking, biking, waiting for buses, grocery shopping, etc.)?

  • Does it make “cents” for you to live off-campus? It’s important to evaluate the hidden costs of living off-campus, such as housing deposits, utilities, groceries, furniture, and transportation.

    If you take the time to weigh all the pros and cons and compare all the costs, you will be able to make an informed decision about living off-campus.