The choice is between a college dorm or an apartment.
Living away from home is exciting.You will be given a lot of responsibility.Dorm life is a great way to meet new friends, but you might want to leave eventually.It is possible to start college living off campus.Think about your finances, your social life, and your personal needs when you choose between the dorm and apartment.
Step 1: The cost of rent can be compared.
If there is a big difference in rent costs between an apartment and a dorm, it's time to consider your finances.The cost of rent is cheaper off campus.It's not always cheaper to rent off campus housing than it is to stay in the dorm.The monthly rent for a dorm may be higher than for some apartments.If you don't currently have an apartment lined up, you can browse listings online to get a sense of what the price range is in the area.On your university's website, you should be able to find out how much a dorm costs.Take a look at the costs of apartments versus campus housing.The average rent in an apartment is $550, while the monthly dorm rent is $900.You don't have to pay rent on your own.You will usually have roommates.If you'll be splitting the rent with a roommate, think about it.You will be living in a nicer apartment if you have roommates.Would you rather live in a cheaper, lower quality apartment and be able to pay the rent alone, or would you prefer a nicer apartment with roommates?
Step 2: Factor in utility payments.
Rent is just one of many expenses to consider.You want to make sure you look at all your options, even if rent is cheaper.Many expenses are taken care of in dorm life.Internet, heat, water, and other utilities can be found in the dorms, but not off campus.Basic utilities such as water and heat can be found in many apartments.With apartments that cover more utilities, the rent may be more expensive.
Step 3:
Does any apartment pay utilities?You will have to pay water, heating, and electricity bills if you don't.Ask people living off campus how much they pay for utilities.To set up your internet, you will have to contact an internet or cable company.You can find the cost of internet and cable through local providers.Some apartments may provide a free basic cable subscription with the rent.Better internet access with better privacy, security, and other benefits.It is wise to provide your own cable and internet access.Add the cost of utilities to your rent.You will pay about $80 a month for water, gas, and internet.The average rent is $550.The cost of living off campus is $670 a month.
Step 4: The cost of food should be looked into.
When it comes to living off campus, groceries are the biggest expense.You will have to prepare your own food since your college no longer provides a meal plan.How much will you spend on groceries?Will you spend $60 a week?You can add this to your running total.You're looking at $910 a month.You may be able to stay on the meal plan for a fee.See how much a meal plan costs per month if you don't like cooking for yourself.
Step 5: Think about the free stuff.
Does your dorm offer free amenities?Maybe your dorm has a gym.There are no on-campus amenities for students who live in the dorm.This may not be a big deal for you if you don't use a lot of your dorm's amenities.You go to the gym every day.It could cause problems if you lose your gym pass.You should check to see how you would replace the amenities you lost.Look into gym memberships.Do you have anything in your price range?You can find something for $40 a month.The total of rent and utilities is $910The cost off campus has gone up.
Step 6: Compare the final costs.
It's cheaper to live in a dorm that costs $900 a month.Given the factors in your area, this may not be the case.Costs are only one factor to consider.The impact on your social life should also be taken into account.
Step 7: Meeting new people is something that you should think about.
Are you a freshman or sophomore?It's not the best time to leave campus.Early on in college, the dorms give you a lot of opportunities to socialize.You are living in a dorm with many different students.It is possible that people are eager to make new friends.You may be able to meet other students at a get-togethers hosted by your dorm.You can bond over food in the cafeteria with other students.You may already have an established friend group if you're an older student.You probably won't miss out on much if you leave the dorms because you feel confident you will see your friends off campus.You will get to experience something new.You will be living in an off-campus apartment with people of all ages.There will be families with children, elderly, and people working overnight jobs so you might want to think twice before you have guests over.
Step 8: Consider how often you entertain.
Do you enjoy getting together?You may want to consider an off-campus move if you host games, movies, and other events.Dorm rooms are small and may not have enough room to have guests.Dorms have more restrictions than apartments.If you're living off campus, entertaining may be more relaxing.The rules of the local community and apartment complex that you reside in will have to be followed if you live off campus.
Step 9: Do you know your current social circle?
Older students are more likely to have a large social circle.It's a good time to try off-campus living if you're a junior or senior.You may have met people through the dorms.People enjoy living off campus if they feel secure.Off-campus life may work for you if you feel like you have a good social circle.Freshman may feel like they have a solid social circle.A lot of your high school friends attend your school.College is seen as a chance to branch out and make new friends.You may not be able to meet new people if you are living off campus.
Step 10: Consider your privacy needs.
The dorm is great for making friends, but there is a lack of privacy.Sharing a roommate can cause stress.An apartment may be a better option for someone who values alone time.It is possible that you will be able to get your own room at an apartment.Living in a dorm can be difficult if you have a mental health issue.It might be a good idea to look for a quiet apartment.There is a single room in a dorm.These may be more expensive, but they are a good in-between.It is possible to get the social experience of living in the dorm while still having your own space.
Step 11: The freedom of apartment life is a factor.
An apartment may be better for you if you value personal freedom.There is more freedom in apartment life.There aren't as many rooms and people in an apartment.You won't have to worry about disturbing someone when you play music and video games.Especially with apartments with young children and elderly, be careful.Many apartments have quiet hours to let the residents sleep and there are people that like to go to bed early, take naps, or simply have peace and quiet.Dorms have strict rules.You might have to sign in overnight visitors.When you come back to the dorm late, you may have to sign in.You won't have these restrictions in an apartment.Many apartments allow pets, but most dorms do not.You can live off campus if you miss your pet.If you are living alone off campus, having a pet will be helpful.
Step 12: Maybe you need a resident adviser.
A resident mentor is a person who helps students at some schools.You can always ask your resident mentor for help if you're having a hard time with something.If you are prone to stress, you may need a resident mentor.It might be better to live in a place where you have someone to rely on.Some people don't feel they need a resident mentor.A resident mentor is not necessary if you prefer managing stress on your own or seek support from friends or family.
Step 13: You should be honest about your personal responsibilities.
Students who live in dorms do better academically.Less distraction makes it easier to stay on task.You may have easier access to the library if you are on campus.Be honest with yourself.Are you a responsible person?Will you be able to get to class on time if you live off campus?With the freedom of off-campus life, will you be able to stay on track with your homework?It will be an adjustment if you're the responsible type.If you finish assignments on time and have a good work ethic, you can stay on track off campus.
Step 14: You should think about your access to campus amenities.
If you move off campus, you may be far away from libraries, resource centers, and similar buildings.If it's more difficult to get to the library, you may be doing it less often.If you are living off campus, you may have more options for entertainment and socializing in the community that are harder to access on campus.If you have a campus ID, you can sometimes get community discounts.A lot of this is dependent on where the apartments are located.If you're attending school in a college town, apartments may be close to campus.This would make this less of an issue.The cost of parking and gas should be taken into account.Each month the costs can add up if you need to drive to certain locations.Public transportation can be used to get to and from college classes.
Step 15: Think about things that distract you.
It can be great to have the freedom of an apartment.Guests are generally able to make more noise when you have them over.This can be a distraction.Quiet hours can be found in the dorm.Quiet hours are very common in apartments.You won't be able to have a lot of people at the same time.If you're a responsible person, you may be able to deal with distraction better.It will always be an adjustment.You should be prepared to work extra hard to stay on track if you decide to live off campus.If you think you can't handle the responsibility, it's okay.Students live on campus for four years.The most important thing about college is learning.