Living On Campus vs. Off Campus

Living on campus vs. off campus: it’s the everlasting debate among incoming freshmen and returning sophomores. A case can be made for both sides. It all depends on your own personal preference.

To help you in your decision making, we’ve come up with a pros and cons list for both options.

Pros of Living On-Campus

Above all, the main draw to living on-campus is getting to be part of a vibrant student community. Living in dorms exposes you to other students and special events.The bonds and memories you form in your dorm will stick with you for a lifetime, even if it seems chaotic at times.

Another perk is the amenities provided in dorms and other on-campus housing. You usually have on-site laundry, Wi-Fi, vending machines, fountains, and even game rooms in some cases. These are included in the premium that you pay for the whole package.

On-campus housing options also tend to have security guards or residential advisors to help filter out delinquents in the building. Many buildings come equipped with safety features and phones to help keep crime at bay.

Cons of Living On-Campus

The number one drawback to living on-campus? The cost. Expect to pay almost double what you’d pay for a traditional apartment. The inflated cost is a result of all the amenities and benefits, even if you don’t take advantage of them. Cost is also the primary reason that most students don’t dorm again for their second year.

With all the students running around, partying, and doing the usual chaotic things that students do, on-campus housing can also have a lot of distractions. It can be a real challenge to get some sleep or even study for a final.

In fact, expect to sacrifice a lot of your privacy and space as you live with other students. Oftentimes you’ll hear people through walls, share bathrooms with other students, and have unexpected guests over.

Pros of Living Off-Campus

Off-campus houses are far more affordable and have a greater value. Since meal plans are not mandatory, and you don’t have to pay for other benefits like an RA or a vending machine that’s never in use; you only have to pay for your own rent and your own utilities. Seven Court Student Rez’s Sir Sandford Fleming College residence, for instance, does not require meal plans but does offer all-inclusive pricing and flexible lease options.

You’ll also enjoy far more independence. Off-campus housing may also be home to tenants that are not students. You won’t have an RA to rely on. You’ll need to figure out everything yourself, but the upside is that no one can tell you when to go to bed or to open your room for inspection. With that being said, there are some Fleming College off-campus housing options that have RAs in case you need them.

Getting an off-campus place is the best way to start truly living on your own. Dorming is like summer camp — a fun distraction for a while, but it doesn’t prepare you for true independence in the same way an off-campus location does.

Cons of Living Off-Campus

Living off-campus can occasionally be an isolating experience, as you won’t have events or students around all the time. For people that crave social attention, this can be a major hurdle. For people that relish in peace and tranquility, this would actually be a pro.

Without an RA, you can expect to have a lot more responsibility. If you lose your key, that’s on you to get a new one. Nothing says “welcome to the real world” more than having to look after yourself.

Ultimately, this decision will demand careful consideration, but no matter which option you choose, it must be appropriate for your current budget and lifestyle.