5 Reasons Why You Should Live on Campus After Freshman Year
Which is better: living on campus or living off-campus? Whether you’re an incoming freshman or returning senior, it’s common to wonder which college living situation is best for you. The answer depends on various factors, such as your personal preference and your academic standing (freshman, sophomore, etc.) But in general, many students find that living on campus has a variety of benefits that living off-campus can’t provide. Some of which may surprise you!
To help you decide whether a dorm vs. an apartment is a better choice this upcoming school year, we’ve put together this guide that outlines some of the most impactful reasons some students prefer living on campus vs. living off-campus throughout their college career.
Dorm Vs. Apartment: Do You Have to Live on Campus Freshman Year?
First things first: Living on campus is often a requirement for freshmen. You may be exempt if you have a good enough reason. But generally, you should prepare to live in the dorms if you’re a first-year student. Get extra prepared by reviewing our guide on what to expect as a college freshman.
However, if you’re a sophomore, junior or senior, you have the choice to live in the dorms or off campus in an apartment or house that you share with roommates. Some upperclassmen are quick to move out of the dorms, but it’s best to explore the benefits of living on campus before deciding.
Why Living on Campus Might Benefit You
1. Less Additional Costs
Living in the dorms is typically more expensive than living off campus when you compare rental costs alone. But after you factor in paying for food, internet, utilities, and transportation, you’ll find that living on campus might save you money in the long run. When you live in the dorms, meal plans, utilities, internet, and even cable are often included in your room and board, giving you a less financial burden. When you live off-campus, these and other expenses fall on you (or your parents).
Remember that renting an apartment often means signing a 12-month lease; anything shorter will end up being more expensive every month. If you’re not planning on living near campus for that long, you might benefit from staying in the dorms for this reason as well.
2. Convenient Transportation
If you don’t have a car or convenient access to public transportation, you might want to consider living on campus after freshman year. The reason is simple: you’ll be a short walk or bike ride from everything you need in most cases. Unless you can find off-campus housing that’s walking distance from campus (these housing options are often more expensive and in high demand), getting to class each day is more convenient and cheaper when you stay in the dorms or on-campus housing. Plus, you won’t have to worry about finding parking each day (or paying for a parking spot, which is pricey).
3. Available Resources
Access to and availability of resources is another reason living on campus is more convenient for many college students. Academic and other student resources are always within proximity. It includes the library, professor’s office hours, academic advisors, financial aid offices, and more. College is a lot more than just going to class and studying. If you want to be successful, it’s recommended you take advantage of the administrative, medical, and academic resources that are available to you whenever possible. When you live on campus, you’re never too far from helpful resources. It’s another way that living on campus provides added convenience.
4. Networking and Social Life
College is a great time to meet new people, broaden your horizons and discover what you’re passionate about in life. You can join a club or organization to mingle with like-minded individuals and begin networking for your future career. There are also campus events and other social opportunities taking place frequently. When you live on campus, these opportunities are more accessible, and it’s easier to immerse yourself in the college experience. If you’re not interested in clubs or events, you’ll still be able to live closer to your friends in the residence hall, so you never miss a thing.
5. More Time to Focus
Another reason plenty of upperclassmen enjoy living on campus beyond freshman year is the time it can save. When you live in the dorms, you won’t have to spend time cleaning, cooking meals, shopping, or commuting to campus. All these extra tasks – including furnishing your space – are taken care of for you. It could open free time to find a part-time job, fit in some extra studying or join a club or organization. Living off campus does give you more freedom, but keep in mind that freedom brings more responsibility. If you want to focus on your college experience alone and less on budgeting and chores, it’s worth considering living in the dorms for an extra year or two.
Make College Moving Easier
Whether you live on campus or rent an apartment or house off campus, completing your college move is easy when you enlist the college moving experts at Collegeboxes. Our Ship to School service is ideal for incoming freshmen moving into the dorms. When summer arrives, our Summer Storage and Shipping service makes moving out of the dorms for the summer even more convenient. Learn more about Collegeboxes by visiting collegeboxes.com and sign up today!