Is it better to live on Campus or get an appartment?

To really get the college experience, I feel that every freshman should do at least one year in the dorm. Now money wise, it depends on how your paying for college. Are you using loans? Paying out of pocket? If you are paying out of pocket, then choosing an apartment could save you some money. If you are using loans, you should stay in the dorms then work until you save enough money for an apartment.

I would also recommend doing at least your freshmen year in the dorms. It's a great way to meet people, get familiarized with the college in a safe way, and so forth. If cost is your biggest concern - you need to really map out dorm fees vs off campus rent fees. A lot of colleges include a meal plan with their dorm fees - so take that into account when budgeting for off campus expenses.

Again - I'd really recommend freshmen year in the dorms. You'll have time to get the lay of the land and figure out the least expensive way to live off campus in your Junior and Senior years.

Hi Aaakhash!

Having gone through this recently with my daughter and recalling my college days, I would favor living on campus:
- You are under the protection of the campus police
- You are near your classes and important campus buildings
- You can take advantage of on campus transportation
- You have dining and study areas close by, probably in your dorm
- You do not have to pay for repair expenses for your living area
- You do not have to buy and maintain furniture and appliances
- You do not have to deal with people who want to use your apartment/house as "party central"
- If you need help in the middle of the night, your resident adviser is just a few doors down the hall
- You only pay for your dorm room during school sessions. (If you rent an apartment, you have a 12 month lease and end up paying for it during summer and school breaks when you are not there, or you have to deal with the risky business of subletting, which can be a harrowing experience).

These are just a few of the reasons why I moved back into a dorm.

Here are some good ideas on how to reduce college costs, which also might be helpful:
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/paying-for-school/ways-to-pay/reduce-college-costs.shtml

Let me know if and how this might be of help. Best of luck. Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress.