Advantages of Off-Campus Housing Over Dorms
Why You Should Consider Moving to Off-Campus Housing (and How to Sell it to Your Parents)
Benefit #1 of Off-Campus Housing - Increased Privacy
Your dorm room-mate lives in the same room, making it awkward to entertain your girlfriend/boyfriend, sorority sisters/fraternity brothers, etc. If your dorm room-mate has a guest, he may ask you to stay out for several hours. Off-campus housing will have your own room, plus your share of a living room, kitchen, etc.
Benefit #2 of Off-Campus Housing - More Space
On-campus you have half a dorm-room, leaving most of your stuff at your parents' house. Off-campus housing provides your own room, plus shared storage (e.g. garage, shed, coat closet, etc.). Moving most of your stuff from your parents' place to your off-campus place means more convenience for you and less clutter for them.
Benefit #3 of Off-Campus Housing - Fewer Distractions
When you live in the dorms, other residents will drag you to a party, pick-up game, movie, etc. You may be reluctant to beg off for that set of calculus problems or the upcoming Impressionist Art final. Off-campus housing will be away from most non-academic activities allowing you to concentrate on getting good grades.
Benefit #4 of Off-Campus Housing - More Hiking and Biking
Off-campus housing requires commuting to campus and back, adding hiking and/or biking to your daily routine beyond what you get living in the dorms.
Benefit #5 of Off-Campus Housing - Healthier Eating
Face it. Eating 3 times a day, 7 days a week at the campus cafeteria or student center fast-food joints is unhealthy. You've heard of the dreaded "freshman fifteen" and may have experienced it first-hand. Living off-campus could help avoid adding a "sophomore fifteen" by buying your own groceries and eating better.
Benefit #6 of Off-Campus Housing - Summer and Winter Access to Campus
Most colleges kick you out of the dorms between semesters. Off-campus housing lets you stay near campus all year, providing access between semesters to school libraries, gym, and even that summer research assistantship. You can still visit home, but living off-campus lets you stay as much (or as little) as works for everyone.
Benefit #7 of Off-Campus Housing - Transition to Living on Your Own
Once you graduate you'll probably live on your own (if you get a job). Moving to off-campus housing with room-mates lets you learn how to keep on a budget with real-life expenses, clean up after yourself, etc. With room-mates you'll have bigger messes, but also helping hands to clean up.
Benefit #8 of Off-Campus Housing - Build Up Your Credit Score
Paying rent, utilities and possibly a credit card or two on a monthly basis starts building a solid credit history, leading to cheaper loans, cheaper insurance premiums, nabbing a desirable house or apartment rental, and possibly a better job. Living off-campus and being financially responsible is your entry to all these benefits.
Bottom Line of Off-Campus Housing Benefits
There are many reasons to move from the dorms into off-campus housing as soon as possible. Discussing the above benefits with your parents may convince them to help with the costs of off-campus housing.
Published by Opher Ganel
Researcher, teacher, photographer, storyteller. Creativity is my escape from the day-to-day. View profile
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- Off-campus housing is popular for many reasons, many of which may convince your parents too.
- Off-campus housing may improve your grades, your health, and even your financial future.
- Off-campus housing can serve as a transition from the dorms to your own place after graduation.
4 Comments
Post a CommentLots to consider. Thanks
Cindy, based on my observation of the dining options at a major state university, it consists of a food court filled with the likes of Chick-Fil-A, McDonald's, etc. and cafeterias with food that at least appears to have a nodding acquaintance with good nutrition. Certainly living off-campus does not guarantee healthy eating, but cooking healthy takes about the same time as cooking unhealthy, and the cost of groceries is not too much different (Ramen noodles excepted). At any rate, the opportunity is there and more accessible when you're off the campus meal plan.
Opher,
I'm not sure about the healthier eating benefit. A lot of collegesoffer some really good menu plans with vegetarian options and more. Most of the time when I was in college and paying my own groceries, we ate whatever was cheap and it had nothing to dow tih healthy:)
Great article though and a good series!
I guess these are good reasons, but I'd still be leary after reading about the costs differences from the last article!