4 answers
Alyssa
Student
Hesperia, California
2
Questions
Asked
908 views
Is it better to dorm or rent an apartment near the campus?
I'm curious to find out which option provides the most benefits and is relatively cheaper in the long run. #apartment #dorm
4 answers
Robert Rencher CPC
Executive Coach
1
Answer
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hello Alyssa.
If you are wondering purely from a financial perspective, living on campus is less expensive. When you are talking money, there are many other things that you have to consider instead of just your rent, most of which were mentioned in the comment above from Devetra C. (rent, utilities, electric, gas, cable, internet, phone and transportation to and from school). When you are living on campus, most of those items are already included and you can either walk or ride a bike for campus transportation.
But let's go a bit deeper than just money. College is not just about education and money. It's about the experience! Living off campus will not give you the "College Experience" that you don't know you need! You may not realize you need it until after you've left school and cannot get it.
While you are in school, get all that you can from the experience! This is not just the "party" aspect. You can always party. I'm talking more about the entire campus atmosphere. Study hall; Group Study; Gym activities (working out or playing ball). Whatever your campus has to offer, take advantage of it. You miss many of these things if you live off campus.
Enjoy your college life!
If you are wondering purely from a financial perspective, living on campus is less expensive. When you are talking money, there are many other things that you have to consider instead of just your rent, most of which were mentioned in the comment above from Devetra C. (rent, utilities, electric, gas, cable, internet, phone and transportation to and from school). When you are living on campus, most of those items are already included and you can either walk or ride a bike for campus transportation.
But let's go a bit deeper than just money. College is not just about education and money. It's about the experience! Living off campus will not give you the "College Experience" that you don't know you need! You may not realize you need it until after you've left school and cannot get it.
While you are in school, get all that you can from the experience! This is not just the "party" aspect. You can always party. I'm talking more about the entire campus atmosphere. Study hall; Group Study; Gym activities (working out or playing ball). Whatever your campus has to offer, take advantage of it. You miss many of these things if you live off campus.
Enjoy your college life!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Alyssa:
This is a great question. I agree with the responses already mentioned and want to share that when I was in college a long time ago I lived on campus 3 years. The last year I lived with a relative in the area. My two young adults lived on-campus their freshman year and got an apartment the remaining three years. They had great college experiences both on-campus and off-campus living. There are many things you would have to consider if living off-campus such as: rent, utilities, transportation, food, etc. I assume the cost of living off-campus is probably more expensive than on-campus. You will want to weigh the differences and benefit of both. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
This is a great question. I agree with the responses already mentioned and want to share that when I was in college a long time ago I lived on campus 3 years. The last year I lived with a relative in the area. My two young adults lived on-campus their freshman year and got an apartment the remaining three years. They had great college experiences both on-campus and off-campus living. There are many things you would have to consider if living off-campus such as: rent, utilities, transportation, food, etc. I assume the cost of living off-campus is probably more expensive than on-campus. You will want to weigh the differences and benefit of both. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Eboni Bee-Anderson
Workforce Planning Consultant
3
Answers
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Updated
Eboni’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
Lindsey is right. The best way to determine which option is most affordable is to compare the school's housing fees with the fees/expenses that you would incur living off campus.
Aside from finances, there are some other great benefits to dorm living that may also play a factor in your decision. You will find that you are much more involved in campus life and activities when you're living there. It provides great opportunities to not only build new friendships, but also the chance to really network with other students and faculty members.
Lindsey is right. The best way to determine which option is most affordable is to compare the school's housing fees with the fees/expenses that you would incur living off campus.
Aside from finances, there are some other great benefits to dorm living that may also play a factor in your decision. You will find that you are much more involved in campus life and activities when you're living there. It provides great opportunities to not only build new friendships, but also the chance to really network with other students and faculty members.
Lindsey Baltz
Career Coach | Relationship Builder
11
Answers
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
This is a great question! As Devetra said, there are a lot of factors that you must consider. In addition to what Devetra said, you asked about benefits of each. These will also vary person-to-person, but the advantages of living in dorms for at least your first year are pretty vast. It gives you an automatic community which is a nice thing to have when making the huge transition to college. Additionally, living on campus typically means you can walk to your classes and have easy access to all of the wonderful resources colleges offer (career services, gyms, dining halls, etc.). Good luck with your decision! I find pros and cons lists always help too!
This is a great question! As Devetra said, there are a lot of factors that you must consider. In addition to what Devetra said, you asked about benefits of each. These will also vary person-to-person, but the advantages of living in dorms for at least your first year are pretty vast. It gives you an automatic community which is a nice thing to have when making the huge transition to college. Additionally, living on campus typically means you can walk to your classes and have easy access to all of the wonderful resources colleges offer (career services, gyms, dining halls, etc.). Good luck with your decision! I find pros and cons lists always help too!
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