As a student looking for housing, it’s important to think long-term when making your choice. The decisions you make now regarding where to live and who to live with will impact your college experience and success. Choosing wisely when it comes to student housing is crucial to setting yourself up for academic and personal growth during your time at university. With some careful consideration of your needs and preferences both now and in the future, you can find an on-campus or off-campus living situation that will support you throughout your college career.
Read this article to learn more.
Choosing The Right Location
Location should be one of the most important considerations when selecting student housing. Proximity to campus is key – look at how long it takes to walk, bike, or commute to your classes and main campus buildings. Being centrally located makes it easier to get to classes on time, use campus facilities like the library, and participate in campus activities. Also, public transportation options like shuttles, buses, or subways near potential housing should be considered. Access to transit can allow you to live further from campus while still easily getting to and from school.
Evaluate the surrounding off-campus area as well. Is the neighborhood safe? Are basic amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. conveniently located? Proximity to shops and eateries will impact how you get necessities and spend free time. Look into crime rates for off-campus areas you’re considering. Opt for housing in well-lit areas with security features. Consider reaching out to current students or housing staff to get insights on the safety of specific properties or neighborhoods.
Check sites like northpointrexburg.com to find tips on other things to consider when choosing student housing.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
There are pros and cons to both living on-campus and off-campus that should factor into your decision. On-campus housing provides convenience, letting you roll out of bed and head straight to class. Dorms and campus apartments keep you centrally located in terms of academic buildings, events, the gym, and social activities. This makes it easy to get involved on campus without a commute. Meal plans may also be part of on-campus living packages, saving you time grocery shopping and cooking. However, space is often limited in dorms, and amenities vary.
Off-campus housing offers more freedom and independence. You’ll likely have more living space in a house or apartment. Having your own kitchen allows flexibility in meals and schedules. Off-campus locations also allow you to pick your exact neighborhood and roommates. However, commuting takes more time and planning. Factors in transportation costs include gas, parking permits, and public transit passes. Also, the budget for all utilities and amenities is not included in the rent. Weigh independence vs. convenience based on your priorities.
Accommodations and Layout
Consider the style of building, unit sizes, and layouts that best suit your needs. High-rise residence halls offer single and double dorm rooms with communal bathrooms and shared common rooms. Amenities are basic, but the location is central. Apartment-style complexes may have single-person studio units with private bathrooms and kitchenettes or multi-bedroom units with shared living space. These offer more amenities with easy access to campus. Off-campus houses split into multiple bedrooms with shared common living areas may provide the most spacious accommodations.
Look at floor plans and layouts when touring units. Will you share a bedroom or need your own for privacy or studies? Do you prefer a walk-in closet vs. a smaller closet space? Is a full kitchen with a dining area needed if you’ll cook often? How many bathrooms realistically work for the number of housemates? Know what you can live comfortably without vs. what you really need in your living space before finalizing a choice.
Duration and Lease Terms
Student housing leases typically run on an academic year timeline from August to May. This allows students to lock in year-long housing without relocating mid-year. Some larger off-campus complexes offer greater flexibility with semester-long leases, especially in college towns. Monthly leases are rarer but can also be found off-campus. Consider when you need housing – will you study abroad for a term or graduate mid-year? Shorter leases allow more flexibility but may have higher monthly rates.
Before committing, understand all timelines and costs for renewing or canceling a lease. When does the renewal process start? Is there a renewal fee? How far in advance must you cancel without penalty? What if you leave school or graduate early? Get clarity on these policies so future changes don’t come as a surprise. Consider both your plan for this year and possible changes down the road when evaluating lease terms.
Housemates and Community
Consider who you will be living in student housing. If you have existing friends you mesh well with, making the move together can provide built-in community and support. Be sure you’re compatible with key logistics like cleanliness, schedules, social needs, and study habits first.
If you are placed with roommates, communicate any preferences to the housing staff. Do you prefer morning people or night owls based on your schedule? What social interests or affiliations might connect you? Aligning basics like sleep and study patterns can prevent conflict. Also, share any must-haves regarding tidy common spaces. Finding roommates with compatible lifestyles sets you up for harmony at home.
Also, look at the community environment within your prospective housing. Many campuses offer living-learning communities that place those with shared majors, interests, or backgrounds together. Take advantage of these to make connections. Joining an on-campus residential community that shares your principles or cultural identity can provide a built-in sense of belonging.
Future Goals and Plans
Your ideal housing situation may evolve over your college career as goals and plans shift. If you think you may study abroad for a semester, a 9 to 12-month lease could leave you paying for unused housing. Research options that allow subletting or lease takeovers if going abroad. If considering a semester-long internship in another city, keep housing flexible enough to accommodate that plan as well.
Will you need a car in future years to commute to internships, jobs, or interviews? If so, factor proximity to parking into your housing selection or confirm that parking permits will be obtainable down the road. Look ahead at academic and career goals that may impact where you need to live and how long. Seek flexible housing terms or locations that can adapt. With an eye to the future, you can ensure housing aligns with your evolving plans.
Special Requirements
If you have a documented disability, medical needs, or other unique circumstances requiring specific housing accommodations, be proactive in requesting these. Contact your campus disability services office to learn about applying for special housing considerations, and do so as early as possible. Some needs, like building accessibility for physical disabilities, ground floor rooms, or housing equipped for service animals, may require advanced planning by the university.
For severe allergies, mold sensitivities, or chemical sensitivities, look for housing options with in-unit laundry, updated HVAC systems, wood-free furniture, etc. Those who benefit from emotional support animals should confirm pet policies. Take time to articulate specific needs so they can be addressed in housing placement. Don’t assume limitations – work with campus services to find solutions that make residential living feasible for you.
Budgeting and Affordability
Honestly assess your budget and existing financial aid when evaluating housing costs. On-campus room and board bundled with meal plans is often the most expensive option. Compare these fixed costs to off-campus options, where you may pay rent separately from groceries and dining out. Would choosing a further off-campus location with cheaper rent balance out a potential parking permit, gas, and commute time?
Run the numbers for both on-campus and off-campus scenarios, factoring in all anticipated costs like utility fees and furnishing needs. Be realistic about what expenditures you can afford through existing scholarships, loans, family support, and income. If needed, apply for additional financial aid, like grants, to fill the gaps. Seek cost-saving measures like communal housing, university subsidies, free transit passes, or moving in with family nearby. With savvy budgeting, you can secure quality, affordable housing.
On-Campus Amenities
On-campus dorms and apartments offer built-in amenities and convenience. When selecting housing, look closely at the amenities available. Some dorms provide basic furnishings like beds, desks, dressers, and shared bathrooms. Others offer extended amenities like gyms, theaters, game rooms, computer labs, and study lounges for academic and social needs.
Consider in-unit amenities that matter most day-to-day. Having a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker in your room adds convenience. Central air conditioning provides comfort through the seasons. In-unit laundry saves time trekking to communal facilities. Fast wi-fi and included utilities make life easier. Also, look for suites with shared kitchens and living rooms if you prefer to cook and socialize in the unit. Don’t assume all campus housing options are equal; the amenities can differ greatly, so inquire specifically about finding the right fit.
If housing comes unfurnished, determine what essential furniture you will need immediately and what can wait. Purchase quality items that will last, but hold off on decorative purchases. Your style and space needs will likely change during your student housing tenure.
Off-Campus Features
Opting for off-campus apartments or houses allows you to enjoy more space and freedom. When evaluating options, look for features that fit your lifestyle. Having an in-unit laundry, a full kitchen, and on-site parking adds convenience. Outdoor spaces like balconies, patios, or yards provide room to relax. A dishwasher and garbage disposal make clean-up easy if you cook often. Also, amenities like utilities, cable/Internet, and a gym or pool on-site add value.
Safety is also key for off-campus living further from campus. Ensure doors and windows have secure locks. Make sure outdoor spaces are well-lit. An alarm system, video doorbell, or on-site security provides added peace of mind. Finding the right balance of must-have features, cost, and location may take time. Make a list of your highest-priority amenities before beginning your housing search.
Roommate Relationships
Developing strong relationships with compatible roommates makes student housing more harmonious. Before moving in, have an open discussion about preferences to set expectations. Talk through daily routines, cleaning duties, sharing common spaces, noise levels, guests, and study needs. Agree on guidelines for sharing food, supplies, and household items. Hash out financial obligations for security deposits, rent, and utilities. Address pet peeves directly to avoid future tension.
Embrace open communication, compromise, and respect when conflicts inevitably arise. Have mediation procedures in place if issues persist. With shared living goals, household responsibilities divided fairly, and mutual understanding, you can build positive roommate relationships that make cohabitating more enjoyable.
Personalizing Your Space
Although student housing is temporary, add personal touches to make it feel like home. Affordable ways to decorate include hanging favorite photos, art prints, or string lights and adding accent pillows, throws, curtains, or area rugs. A bulletin board lets you display memories and mementos. Scented candles or a diffuser add a welcoming aroma. Organize your closet and study space in a way that suits your habits and style. Allowing yourself to customize your bedroom and common areas within any housing guidelines can help your new place feel warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.
Balancing Academics and Fun
College is all about finding balance. When living on your own, set yourself up for academic success while also building in social time with housemates. Use common areas for study groups and group meals. Attend campus events together. But also nurture friendships within your living community through movie nights, game nights, cooking together, or attending parties responsibly. Divide chores like cleaning equitably so your living environment stays orderly. With balance, your student housing can help you thrive socially and academically.
Embracing Independence
For many students, moving into student housing represents their first real independence. Embrace this new freedom while also being self-disciplined in your studies, self-care, spending, and time management. Learning to live more independently takes some adjustment, but the personal growth is immense. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Take responsibility for household chores, meals, and self-care without depending on parents. Make time for studies along with socializing. Finding this balance will prepare you for even greater independence post-graduation.
Connecting Over Shared Interests
One of the best parts of student housing is connecting with peers who share your hobbies, passions, or cultural background. Take time to identify housemates with common interests like sports, gaming, creative arts, activism, or other affiliations. Bond through shared interests by attending events together, co-leading a club, collaborating creatively, or sharing your passions. You may find your best college friendships are with those housemates you connect with most authentically through common interests that enrich your college experience.
Finding Your Community
The student housing environment allows you to find and connect with your community, however you define it. Many campuses offer specialized housing for affinity groups around shared identities, backgrounds, or interests. Seek these out if desired. Or simply keep your door open, attend communal events, and identify those housemates with whom you share a deeper sense of community. Joining student organizations can also help you find community externally through shared culture, causes, or hobbies. Your living environment can be a starting place to find a community that provides a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Choosing where to live during your college years has an impact far beyond your address. With so many factors to weigh, from location to amenities and housemates, take time to reflect on your current and future housing needs and preferences. Seek a living situation aligned with your goals, values, interests, and budget to set yourself up for success during your student housing tenure. By anticipating your needs thoughtfully and making choices intentionally, you can find student housing that helps you flourish socially and academically. Your college living experience can become a transformative foundation for the future you envision.