4 answers
Zoe
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
2
Questions
Asked
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While you were in college, did you prefer living on or off campus? What are the pros and cons of each? ?
When I go to college, I was thinking of living off campus, but wouldn't there be more benefits to living on campus?
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4 answers
Emina Hastings
Human Resources, Employee Relations Consultant
9
Answers
Des Moines, Iowa
Updated
Emina’s Answer
Dear Zoe,
Thank you for your question! During my time as an undergraduate, I had the unique experience of both living on campus and off-campus. Both experiences were enriching in their own ways, and like you mentioned, each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In my first two years, I cherished the on-campus life. Being a newcomer to the college, which was a significant six-hour journey away from home, the campus was a great place to forge new friendships. Some of these bonds, formed with my dorm mates, have stood the test of time and are still going strong. It was an exhilarating experience to be surrounded by peers who shared similar interests, and to navigate this exciting new phase of life alongside them. Having a group to share meals with, pull all-nighters for study sessions, and even the occasional roommate drama, all added to the quintessential college experience.
The off-campus life offered a different flavor altogether. Living with my sister, I got a taste of adulting - managing groceries, paying bills, commuting to campus for classes. While it came with its own set of responsibilities, it also offered a greater sense of freedom, away from the rules of the campus. This shift worked well for me in the later part of my college life, as by then, I had already formed solid relationships with my classmates. Even though I was living off-campus, I could still enjoy dorm life by visiting my friends or going to the library on campus to study.
So, my advice to you, Zoe, would be to give both a shot! Each experience has its own charm and learning, and together, they can make your college life truly memorable.
Thank you for your question! During my time as an undergraduate, I had the unique experience of both living on campus and off-campus. Both experiences were enriching in their own ways, and like you mentioned, each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In my first two years, I cherished the on-campus life. Being a newcomer to the college, which was a significant six-hour journey away from home, the campus was a great place to forge new friendships. Some of these bonds, formed with my dorm mates, have stood the test of time and are still going strong. It was an exhilarating experience to be surrounded by peers who shared similar interests, and to navigate this exciting new phase of life alongside them. Having a group to share meals with, pull all-nighters for study sessions, and even the occasional roommate drama, all added to the quintessential college experience.
The off-campus life offered a different flavor altogether. Living with my sister, I got a taste of adulting - managing groceries, paying bills, commuting to campus for classes. While it came with its own set of responsibilities, it also offered a greater sense of freedom, away from the rules of the campus. This shift worked well for me in the later part of my college life, as by then, I had already formed solid relationships with my classmates. Even though I was living off-campus, I could still enjoy dorm life by visiting my friends or going to the library on campus to study.
So, my advice to you, Zoe, would be to give both a shot! Each experience has its own charm and learning, and together, they can make your college life truly memorable.
Jean Kuntze
Risk Management
3
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Jean’s Answer
Hi Zoe
I enjoyed living on and off campus!!!
I lived away from home and my first year, I lived on campus, in a dorm. By doing so, I got to meet (lots) of people and became very familar with the school/campus. I stayed friendly with a lot of the people I met while living on-campus, which make my college experience a lot better.
After my freshman year, I moved off-campus, which I enjoyed but I have to admit, there were times that I missed seeing people regularly. As I got older, I continued to live off-campus and made it a priority to be involved with campus activities and meet up with friends regularly.
I would say I enjoyed both experiences...each had its own positives and negatives but I wouldn't have changed my choices after the fact.
Good luck!
I enjoyed living on and off campus!!!
I lived away from home and my first year, I lived on campus, in a dorm. By doing so, I got to meet (lots) of people and became very familar with the school/campus. I stayed friendly with a lot of the people I met while living on-campus, which make my college experience a lot better.
After my freshman year, I moved off-campus, which I enjoyed but I have to admit, there were times that I missed seeing people regularly. As I got older, I continued to live off-campus and made it a priority to be involved with campus activities and meet up with friends regularly.
I would say I enjoyed both experiences...each had its own positives and negatives but I wouldn't have changed my choices after the fact.
Good luck!
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
113
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
The pros to living on campus are: 1 no maintenance work,no cooking or cleaning pots and pans, easy to get to class, no utility bills, phone, Internet,food bills. You also have easy access to the library, but the real issue is social activities. Parties, hiking and there can be a long list.
The cons to living on campus are questionable food, no privacy, loud long Friday nights, and did I say no privacy.
Pros of living off campus, privacy, personal space, real kitchen so you can cook, allowed to have your pets, place to park car, generally quiet, can invite people over and relax, seriously study.
Cons, bills for food, utilities, rent, gas. But probably cheaper than what it would cost to live on campus.
The cons to living on campus are questionable food, no privacy, loud long Friday nights, and did I say no privacy.
Pros of living off campus, privacy, personal space, real kitchen so you can cook, allowed to have your pets, place to park car, generally quiet, can invite people over and relax, seriously study.
Cons, bills for food, utilities, rent, gas. But probably cheaper than what it would cost to live on campus.
Ece Marcelli
Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ece’s Answer
Hey there Zoe! Throughout my college years, I called the campus my home and truly enjoyed the unique atmosphere it offered. Sure, the facilities might not be top-notch, but in my view, there are so many upsides: you get to mingle with a diverse group of students from all years, learn how to coexist with folks you're not familiar with, enjoy the convenience of being near all school events, and best of all, you don't have to stress over amenities. I trust this sheds some light on your query!