One of the perks of becoming an upperclassman in college is often the opportunity to move off-campus into apartments for college students. Although living in the dormitories is a great way to meet your peers freshman year, many students choose to find off campus student housing. Any town that surrounds a college campus will have plenty of apartments for college students, usually at reasonable rates, depending on the location and ease of access. With a little under fourteen and a half million students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the United States alone, owning student apartments can provide a lucrative income.
What’s the Appeal of Off-Campus Housing?
Many college students choose to live off-campus in their junior or senior year because of the increased privacy. Although dorm rooms are becoming increasingly comfortable, they’re still a small space for two people to share. Apartments for college students can come in a variety of sizes; anywhere from a one person apartment to housing a whole group of people. Student rentals may also be cheaper than paying housing costs on-campus. Additionally, living in off campus apartments usually means the student can purchase their own groceries and not be limited (or have to pay for) a meal plan, which can also be expensive. In some cases, off-campus apartments may even be closer to academic buildings than the dorms. It’s also a great way to ease into renting an apartment in preparation for graduation and moving out.
What Are Things to Consider When Moving Off-Campus?
Safety is key, especially if you live in an urban or more dangerous area. Some questions to ask would be: How far away is your walk from campus? Is it well-lit? Is it a popular path that other students might also take? Make sure police are an active presence and that the walk home doesn’t take the student too far away from main areas. If the student drives, make sure the apartment has adequate parking for them or any roommates. If the apartment is already furnished, make sure the appliances are in working order, and take note of what may be broken before moving in. This way, the student can avoids potentially paying for someone else’s mistakes. Take a tour of the housing before agreeing to sign a lease. It’s important to make sure in person that the space smells and looks clean and that the appliances work well. Visiting the housing in person may also be a good opportunity to take measurements for furniture and note additions (like curtains, etc.,) that the student could bring back with them.
Off-campus living can often be a cheaper alternative to living on-campus and provides an opportunity to acquire important life skills in a smaller, lower-stakes environment. Do be aware that if the apartment is off-campus, the student is also under the jurisdiction of the town, not just the college. Talk to other students who have lived off-campus; many times, applications for living off-campus may start in the beginning of the school year for the following year. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity, so it’s good to get living plans in order in advance. Get more info here.
