As a college student, one of the biggest choices you have to make, besides the college that you attend and the major that you study, is your living situation. Though there are usually a variety of options within each, the major choice is between dorm living and off-campus housing.

Many universities require their first-year students to live on campus, but after that, it’s completely up to you. But how do you know which one is the right choice?

By weighing the pros and cons of your options with college living, you’ll be able to find the perfect housing for you. 

Pros of Dorm Living

One of the great things about college is that you’re immersed in a community made up almost entirely of your peers. By living in a dorm, you won’t have to leave this atmosphere once your classes are done for the day. All you have to do to take part in on-campus activities and interact with your fellow students is step out your front door.

You’ll also have easy access to all the amenities your campus has to offer, from the fitness center to the dining halls. Not to mention you can safely enjoy late nights at the library knowing that your dorm is just a short walk away.

Pros of Off-Campus Housing

With off campus housing, you’ll have much more space than you would in the dorms. Though you’ll likely still be living with roommates, everyone will have their own room and only share the common areas.

Off-campus apartments are much quieter than dorms, as they’re located away from the hustle and bustle of campus life. In addition, you’ll get a greater taste of “adult” life. You’ll be responsible for your own behavior and the upkeep of your space; there are no RAs to enforce any rules in an apartment.

Cons of Dorm Living

While having tons of fun activities right outside your door can be a huge positive, it can also be distracting. In the dorms, you’ll be sharing the building (thus sharing walls) with tons of other college students, many of which won’t have the same study schedule as you. 

And unless you have a private room, you’ll be sharing your dorm room with one or several other people, which can make maintaining concentration even harder.

Cons of Off-Campus Housing

Some off-campus housing might as well still be on campus, but if you’re far away from your school, you might begin to feel isolated. You won’t have as many friends within walking distance and the commute could make socializing more difficult.

You’ll have to take on responsibility for all of your bills, as well as your meals, and possibly even waking up earlier to make it to class on time. If you don’t feel ready for handling all of these tasks on top of your coursework, this may be the wrong choice for you.

Get the Most Out of College Living With the Right Housing

For some people, it doesn’t get any better than the convenience and high-energy atmosphere of dorm living. Some even stay in the dorms throughout their entire college career.

For others, however, living in an off-campus apartment is the preferred choice. You have a greater amount of privacy and space without the often strict rules of the dorms. As long as you make your choice with your own wants and needs alone, you can’t go wrong.

Interested in learning more about making the most out of your college experience? Take a look at our blog!