Advantages of Off-Campus Housing Over Dorms

Why You Should Consider Moving to Off-Campus Housing (and How to Sell it to Your Parents)

Colleges often require freshmen to spend a year in the dorms. Should you stay in the dorms longer, or move to off-campus housing? The following describes the most important benefits of off-campus housing, and could help convince your parents to help.

Benefit #1 of Off-Campus

Housing - Increased Privacy

Your dorm room-mate lives in the same room, making it awkward to entertain your girlfriend/boyfriend, sorority sisters/fraternity brothers, etc. If your dorm room-mate has a guest, he may ask you to stay out for several hours. Off-campus housing will have your own room, plus your share of a living room, kitchen, etc.

Benefit #2 of Off-Campus Housing - More Space

On-campus you have half a dorm-room, leaving most of your stuff at your parents' house. Off-campus housing provides your own room, plus shared storage (e.g. garage, shed, coat closet, etc.). Moving most of your stuff from your parents' place to your off-campus place means more convenience for you and less clutter for them.

Benefit #3 of Off-Campus Housing - Fewer Distractions

When you live in the dorms, other residents will drag you to a party, pick-up game, movie, etc. You may be reluctant to beg off for that set of calculus problems or the upcoming Impressionist Art final. Off-campus housing will be away from most non-academic activities allowing you to concentrate on getting good grades.

Benefit #4 of Off-Campus Housing - More Hiking and Biking

Off-campus housing requires commuting to campus and back, adding hiking and/or biking to your daily routine beyond what you get living in the dorms.

Benefit #5 of Off-Campus Housing - Healthier Eating

Face it. Eating 3 times a day, 7 days a week at the campus cafeteria or student center fast-food joints is unhealthy. You've heard of the dreaded "freshman fifteen" and may have experienced it first-hand. Living off-campus could help avoid adding a "sophomore fifteen" by buying your own groceries and eating better.

Benefit #6 of Off-Campus Housing - Summer and Winter Access to Campus