On vs. Off
The pros and cons of off-campus living

by Annette Jenkins, posted Oct. 30, 2009

“If I could move off campus from the dorms, I totally would do it all over again!” said Carson Munroe, a senior nursing major who has lived in an off-campus house for three years. Many students who have experienced both on- and off-campus life share Munroe’s thoughts.

Collegeboard.com is a Web site that clues all college students in on financial advice, applying for scholarships, choosing the right college and finding adequate housing. The Web site offers a complete list of pros and cons to off-campus living.

Cheaper than on-campus dorms

Laura Herring, a photojournalism major, agrees.

“It’s so much cheaper to live off campus,” Herring said. “When it was $9,000 a semester to live in decent dorms without a meal plan, I pay $4,000 total including food and utilities a semester to live in my apartment, and that’s split in half because my roommate and I split the monthly bill. It’s ridiculous the amount of money you save!”

Though living costs can be cheaper than off campus, the real cost can be time spent trying to get to campus for classes. Students face challenges such as commuting and getting to class on time.

More responsibility

“I love living in my own house, but it’s a hassle sometimes just worrying about how I’m going to get to class,” said Lauren Pugh, a junior international business major.

Maggie Doerge, a junior and pre-med student and bio-chem major, has lived on campus for three years.

 “I live in Johnston, which is the prime place to live when it comes to being close to everything on campus,” Doerge said. “It is so convenient being so close to all my classes. I don’t have to worry about my car or commuting every single day.”

Finding a parking spot close to classes can add precious minutes to a morning routine.

“But that’s the part that makes you more responsible,” Munroe said. “It’s just part of growing up and becoming more independent, which is really what college students want. You have more responsibilities, like paying your bills on time, worrying about food, and getting to class on time – just like a grown-up.”

More independence, freedom, privacy and space

“I love having my own space and privacy,” Pugh said, “It’s great to be able to close the door and study without the distractions of dorm neighbors or loud music. There is less contact with people, which I look at as an advantage when it comes to my study time.”

And entertaining can become less complicated off campus.

“With your own house, not only do you have your own privacy to study, but you also have the freedom to have friends over without having to worry about ‘quiet hours’ or dorm curfews.” Herring said.

For a more extensive list of the pros and cons of living off campus, visit collegeboard.com

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