College is an experience like no other. You’re probably out on your own for the first time. You’re learning, building relationships, laying the groundwork for your future, having fun, and making important decisions. One of the decisions you have to make as a university student is where to live. Living on campus may be convenient, but is it the best option for you? Off campus living is worth looking into before making your decision. It has a lot of benefits.
Lower Cost
Getting UW off campus housing can be a great way to save money. You get an opportunity to shop around and find an apartment or house that fits your budget. Often monthly rent is more affordable. Having your own place also allows you to save money on food. University meals plans can be extremely pricey. Avoid those costs by getting an apartment with a nice kitchen.
More Privacy
When it comes to living on campus, alone time is in short supply. Students are packed in which means someone is always around. Living off campus gives you more control over your privacy. You can have a quiet place to relax and study whenever you want.
Larger Apartments
Living off campus usually means more space. Living in a dorm leads to eating, sleeping, hanging out, studying, and more all in one small room which you often share with a roommate. Getting your own place means you can find as much space as you need. You may get a kitchen, a living room, multiple bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms.
Better Amenities
Choosing to live off campus means you can choose your amenities. Apartments around universities are still geared heavily towards college students. That means they are often set up with tons of extra amenities. You can find complexes that have clubhouses with gyms, pools, hot tubs, billiards, volleyball, tanning beds, and more.
Increased Independence
College is probably your first chance for true independence. Renting an apartment gives you many more opportunities to grow that independence. You’ll be in charge of paying your bills, cleaning your home, shopping for groceries, and more. You won’t have a resident advisor or a list of rules to follow. That lets you figure things out for yourself and learn responsibility.
Preferred Roommates
When you select your home, you also get to select who lives with you. On-campus living usually means you are assigned one or more roommates that you may have never met. Renting an apartment makes it much easier to either live alone or with close friends.
Better Rental History
After graduation, there’s a good chance you will move out of a college town. Once away from the university, it is common for apartments to request your rental history. They want evidence you are a good tenant. Living on campus does not count towards your history, and you may have a more difficult time finding a future rental.
College is a time of growth and opportunity. Where you live plays a large role in the experience. Be sure to consider all the options.
