10 Differences Between Living on Campus vs off Campus

Moving away from home to attend college is an major life event for a young student, especially if they are moving for the very first time. If you are about to go to college, or if your son or your daughter will be moving out soon to attend college, you might be concerned about the advantages of living on campus vs off campus.

There is no perfect option, but it’s possible to find the best one for yourself, or for your future college student. Here are a few things you need to know about living on campus vs off campus:

1. Living off campus means you can choose where you want to live

Living off campus means you can choose who you want to live with, but it also means you get to choose where you want to live. There are many choices of student apartments near the well-known universities, such as how the student housing in Waterloo is conveniently near the Western University campus.

You can visit different apartments to choose one that you really like. You can decide to live close to campus or as far from it as you can, depending on your preferences.

2. Living off campus is the best way to maintain your privacy

When you live off campus, you can rent a small apartment alone if you want to. And even if you live with friends, it will be much easier for you to maintain some privacy.

On the other hand, if you choose to live on campus, you will surely have to share a bathroom with other students, and it could be impossible for you to spend some time alone in your room.

3. Living off campus means you have to cook your own meals

If you live off campus, you will have to shop for groceries and cook your own meals, which can be either a good or a bad thing, depending on your level of skills in a kitchen.

Students who live on campus usually have their daily meals provided to them, so they don’t have to worry about preparing food and about shopping for groceries.

4. Living off campus is generally more quiet

If you are someone who enjoys studying and relaxing in a quiet environment, living off campus might be a better option for you.

Living on campus is usually more noisy, especially if you have neighbours who like to party or to listen to loud music.

5. Living off campus gives you more responsibilities

Finally, living off campus will make you a more responsible and independent person, since you will have to manage a lot of things on your own.

If having to pay monthly bills, to shop for groceries, and to keep your living space clean sounds overwhelming to you, perhaps you should live on campus instead.

6. Living on campus is more simple

When it comes to the debate about living on campus vs off campus, nothing beats the simplicity of living on a campus. Living on campus is considered more simple. If you want to live off campus, you will have to hunt for apartments. If you want to live on campus, all you will have to do is sign up with your college to have access to on campus housing.

You will also have access to different amenities, you will benefit from basic furniture, and utilities such as internet and electricity will be included.

7. Living on campus can be more expensive than living off campus

Depending on where your college is located, living on campus could be more expensive than living off campus. Paying for the convenience of living on campus and for the different amenities at your disposition could make a dorm room more expensive than a small apartment.

However, if your college is located near a high-priced rental market, living on campus could be more affordable than renting an apartment. It’s worth comparing both options.

8. Living on campus means you don’t have to worry about commuting

Obviously, if you live on campus, you won’t have to worry about commuting. All you will have to do in the morning is get out of bed, get ready, walk out the door, and walk to class. If you enjoy sleeping in late, you will have the opportunity to do that.

On the other hand, if you live off campus, you might have to spend money on public transportation or on a car so you can commute everyday. Commuting can also take some time, depending on where your apartment is located.

9. Living on campus makes it easier to socialize with other students

If you like having a busy social life, you will find that living on campus makes it easier to socialize with other students. All your neighbours will have the same age, and probably a lot of common interests, and you will be able to spend time together in common areas.

Students who choose to live off campus might have older adults and young families for neighbours, and it could be more difficult for them to make friends outside of class.

10. Living on campus means you might not be able to choose your roommates

If you choose to live on campus, you will certainly have to share a room with other students. And you might simply not be able to choose your roommates.

If you are extremely sociable and seem to get along with everyone, this won’t be a problem for you, but if you would rather live with some of your friends, you should consider renting an apartment off campus together instead.