By Claire DeRoin ~
It’s housing registration time! Are you considering living off-campus next semester?
Here’s a list of benefits to living off-campus.
Home-cooked meals…if you choose! The majority of on-campus housing options lack kitchens. If you live in a house or apartment off-campus, chances are that there will be a fully functioning kitchen there! Commuter students get to enjoy every meal prepared just how they like it.
Better studying atmosphere. Let’s face it- lots of college students like to party on weekends, weeknights, and sometimes even weekdays. For the more studious student, dorm life can be frustrating with the constant interruptions by inebriated parties. Yes, the Learning Center is a great place to study on campus, but living off-campus means not having to trek across campus in search of a quiet place.
No fluorescent lighting. The lights on campus just aren’t homey. Having that harsh fluorescent light in a classroom is one thing, but living in it constantly can be draining.
A more “real-life” feeling than campus. It’s nice to get the college experience, but that’s just not real life. Not having to deal with RA’s can be refreshing to the mature student.
Responsibilities. What a great chance to grow and learn independence! Commuters generally pay monthly rent, unlike the once a semester billing on campus. Commuting to and from campus is a great stepping-stone between living the on-campus college life and working in the real world.
Pick-your-own expenses. Off-campus, there is any number of prices a student can pay for monthly rent. There are choices on-campus from building to building, but off-campus choices have a far wider range. Whether you’re a saver or spender, you will be pleased to find something to fit your budget. Depending on your selection, living off-campus can be much less expensive than living on-campus.
Pets! If you’re an animal lover, living on-campus can be tough since fish are the only animals allowed in apartments and dorm rooms. Sure, some students opt to keep contraband pets in the campus residence halls, but fines for getting caught with a pet can be costly. Depending on the off-campus housing choice, pets could become an option!
• Read more of the Commuter Corner HERE
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