College Housing Options to Consider
For many students, deciding where to live while away at school can be challenging. Many schools require students to live on campus for the first year so this may allow you to have some time to think about your living arrangements down the road. When you do have the choice to decide where to live, you want to explore your options first. If you already know your future roommates, plan out your living situation with them to find the best fit for everyone. You can find available housing options in your area online, but here is a list of housing options you are likely to find:
Dorm
Although living in a dorm after freshman year may not be desirable, it is an affordable and efficient housing option. The price of on-campus housing may seem comparable to renting a place off-campus, but loans and scholarships often only cover on-campus expenses. Investopedia reports that “students may not be able to use funding from these sources to pay off-campus rent.” This means that if you are living off-campus, you may have to pay for rent out of pocket.
Living in a dorm can be very convenient. It takes the stress away from having to commute to class because you are within walking distance. You would also likely still have a meal plan and easy access to dining halls.
Students who live on campus after freshman year also have the opportunity to be Resident Assistants (“R.A.’s”). Resident Assistants typically get paid or get discounts on housing, to help ensure that everything goes smoothly for first-year students in the dorms. This is a good opportunity to have some extra income while living on campus, and it is a good leadership position to have on a resume.
Apartment
If living off-campus is the route you want to go, an apartment is a good choice for living on your own for the first time. You would likely have your own room in an apartment, as well as a shared kitchen and living room with a few roommates. Apartments are not usually too big, but they give you some space to yourself and the freedom of being on your own. Because apartments are smaller than most of your other options, they tend to be cheaper.
Living in an apartment is a decent way to meet other people. Apartment complexes feature many different units that are close together within the same building. It should be easy to make friends with the neighbors, as you would in a dorm. Some apartment complexes offer amenities, such as pools and gyms, for their residents. This is a good way to get out and be active and meet new people too.
Townhouse
Townhouses tend to be bigger than apartments and they have multiple floors in each unit. They are attached to other units – usually in a row – but sometimes offer yard space. Townhouses come with kitchens and living room areas that are bigger than what you would find in an apartment, but that is the only main difference. There are many different layouts depending on the number of bedrooms you are looking for.
Townhouses are going to cost more than apartments because of the amount of square footage. If you can find one that is only slightly more expensive than most apartments in your area, that could be an option that would give you more for your money. You may want to go the cheaper route with an apartment or dorm in your first year living off-campus. Then, as an upperclassman, consider paying a little more for extra space in a townhouse.
Remember that it is always important to take utilities and other costs into account no matter what housing option you go with. You would have to check with the specific rental companies you are looking at to compare your options. Some companies may cover the cost of a few of your utilities, or they may offer discount deals if you sign a lease before a certain date.
House
Having a full-sized house as a college student is not as common as a dorm, apartment, or townhouse, however, there are probably some options available near your campus. Campuses that have a concentrated “downtown” area often have many houses available to rent. These houses are usually old and may need some work. You also may not live right next to other college students, but you would definitely have your space. Living in a house downtown could be a fun experience for you and some friends later in your college career.
Downtown houses are often cheaper than you would expect. Since they are usually old houses that are in the middle of a college town, there is not as much demand for them. You could save money and have a large amount of living space at the same time.
Choosing where to live while you are at college can be challenging, but your decision comes down to your budget and personal preferences. Make sure to do your research and calculate expenses no matter which housing option you go with. At the end of the day, you will probably enjoy your college experience wherever you end up living. Your living experience is what you make of it. If you want it to feel like home, add some personal pictures or other decorations – it can make a big difference.