Student Housing: Living On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

By Sophia Leonard

For students looking to move away from home for college or university, finding a place to live is a major concern. Do you want to live on-campus in a dorm, or off-campus in an apartment, house, or home-stay? What you choose will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and desired student experience.

Many students in first year choose to live on-campus in residence. Residence is a great way to meet other students, especially if you are new to the school and city, and residence staff typically organizes activities for students living on-campus to help them get to know each other. Many residences will require the purchase of a meal plan, which is a convenient option for anyone who doesn’t like to cook. Living on-campus also keeps you closer to your classes, library, and other students. If you are concerned about the person you will be sharing a room or apartment with, research schools’ roommate assignment policies; some schools will allow you to request a roommate, while others will automatically match you with other students.

Would you rather have the freedom of having your own apartment while away at school? Renting can offer a more flexible and affordable option for some students, though it means living a bit further away from school. If you are tired of cafeteria food, you may prefer buying your own groceries and cooking for yourself. Students new to a school may find it harder to meet other students when living off-campus, so it will take extra effort to get involved on-campus and in class. Finding roommates and an apartment will take some searching, but most schools offer support for students looking for housing.

If you are worried about missing the comforts of home, consider home-stay as a living arrangement. Home-stays are hosted by a family that rents out a room for a student while they are in school, and can include meals and activities with the family. Living in a home-stay allows students to connect with a local family and enjoy a homelike setting. Some home-stays will have the student very involved with the family, while others will be similar to renting a room in an apartment.

Since all options have their pros and cons, the best choice for you will come down to your individual preference. Consider your study and lifestyle habits to decide what’s best for you.