Student’s Campus vs Rented Apartment: Which Option Is Best

The school era is over, all the preparation and exams are now just a part of history and you are heading toward a new world of adventures. University life is a completely different story, it’s a conscious choice of what you really can and want to do, a new circle of friends, new responsibilities, and a new outlook on life. Apart from acquiring professional skills, which will build one’s way into a prosperous future, it is a chance to grow a close circle of communication and set the start of a professional network. 

When you can finally breathe out a sigh of relief while holding an acceptance letter, it’s time to get ready for a big move out into adulthood and find a place for living, where you will spend at least 50% of your time. There are typically those who crave campus life and its vibe, and those who prefer privacy and look for off campus housing. When being in two minds, it’s better to get down with the list of pros and cons of each place and decide which one will satisfy your needs. 

On-campus housing

On-campus life attracts nine out of ten freshmen, as it seems to be an integral part of studenthood. The vibrancy and bustling atmosphere make everyone feel motivated, and there is always something going on around. 

An on-campus residence is organized by the educational institution. 

The major benefits of on-campus life are

• Social involvement – if you are new to town and feel the need for a big company of friends, a campus may be just the right option for you. There are local communities and events, and everyone will find something to feel involved in.
• Distance – everything is within easy reach. You can let yourself a long lie-in, just because the lectures are ten minutes away, and the cafeterias will offer a variety of healthy and nutritious meals. 
• Convenience – everything you need for studying and comfortable life is easily accessible. 
• Safety – modern campuses are typically equipped with surveillance cameras and on-site guards, which provides peace of mind for students and their parents. 
• Services – campus life is created to help students grow professionally and develop their personalities. There are typically various courses and workshops, career counseling and guidance, psychological support, etc. 
• Memories – on-campus life will definitely leave bright and vivid memories for the rest of life, as it’s the initial part of adult life.

With all the blissful happiness regarding the newly-received freedom, the disadvantages are rarely noticed, however, after some time they get accumulated. On-campus residency helps you feel part of a big community, however, you will struggle to find a place for solitude and concentration. Besides, there is always a high probability of ‘white’ noise from neighbors. Unless you learn to ignore it or participate in it, you will struggle with studying and rest time.

Off-campus living

After all the novelty vanishes, those nine-out-of-ten students start taking everything with a more realistic view, and look for off-campus housingas it seems to be offering more comfortable conditions:

• Flexibility – with the variety of offers on the market, any student can find the most suitable accommodation in terms of location, time, cost, size, etc. 
• Location – off-campus housing can be located close enough to the institution, yet you will also have easy access to all the city entertainment and local amenities. 
• Independence – life in a rented apartment teaches you to grow quickly, as you have to take care of the environment, learn to manage your time, prioritize tasks and plan your life. 
• Privacy – the whole space is dedicated to you, your needs, and your wishes.
• Pricing – life off-campus is more affordable, as you choose from options that do not drain your budget. Besides, when living off-campus, you can easier find a part-time job, to cover the expenses. 

Off-campus may seem to be pretty isolated, however, if you are an active person, it will not be an obstacle, but rather an advantage. On-campus activities are quite limited and their providers are chosen by the institution authorities, yet, when staying in the city, you are open to all the opportunities, the most difficult thing is actually defining what you want. 

One of the most worrying options regarding rented apartments is the time for commute, however, it’s just a matter of your choice. Besides, student housing is often located close to the campuses, allowing you both to keep up with the rhythm of a big city and get to the lectures on time. 

 When deciding on the best accommodation options, it is important to prioritize your requirements and compare all the pros and cons;

• If you crave huge gatherings and the spirit of university life, the on-campus location can be a better fit. 
• If you are a free spirit and want to manage your space according to your needs and schedule, life in a rented apartment will be a better option, as you will be able to keep up with studying, and actively participate in social activities.

Have a great journey into adulthood!