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Emma
Student
Louisville, Kentucky
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What are the pros and cons of apartment living in college?
should i live in an apartment while in college? why or why not?
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4 answers
Rian Alam
Student
136
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Seattle, Washington
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Rian’s Answer
Hi Emma,
There are advantages and disadvantages when considering living in an apartment vs at home or in a dorm. If you're living in an apartment, you'll be responsible for making your own food and just maintaining your apartment. This includes paying rent on time and utilities or any other costs that come up. Compared to a dorm, which most likely includes a dining hall food plan, you'll have to do more logistical work. However, having your own place is great for hosting friends and having your own space. In a dorm though, you'll have to option to meet a lot of people near you and it's great for making new friends.
There are advantages and disadvantages when considering living in an apartment vs at home or in a dorm. If you're living in an apartment, you'll be responsible for making your own food and just maintaining your apartment. This includes paying rent on time and utilities or any other costs that come up. Compared to a dorm, which most likely includes a dining hall food plan, you'll have to do more logistical work. However, having your own place is great for hosting friends and having your own space. In a dorm though, you'll have to option to meet a lot of people near you and it's great for making new friends.
thank you <3
Emma
Melissa Stairs
Crisis Management, Security, Risk
5
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Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Apartment living is great for college students as it gives you a sense of independency. You will be responsible for paying rent on time, and face consequences if you are late. Depending on if your rent includes utilities or not, you may also learn how the process works for setting up utilities with the different companies. Renting also allows you to come and go once the rental period is over. Now - the cons. Renting can be expensive vs living at home with your parents. When you enter a rental agreement, most landlords will ask for an application fee, deposit, first and last months rent and you may also be required to make 3.5 times the monthly rent. You will also have to learn how to budget your pay and spread your money out. It's best to make sure you have at least 3 months of rent saved up. If I were to do it all over again, I would live at home and save money towards a down payment on a home once I graduate college.
Thank you Malissa your advice is so very helpful!! <3
Emma
Jason Chukel
SVP, Finance
3
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Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jason’s Answer
It all comes down to personal preference. Living in an apartment is quite different to living in a dorm, and it gives you more relevant experience to housing options post college. Basically, you're on your own (or and your roommates are on your own). You have to cook, clean, pay the bills, follow the rules of the apartment complex, and you'll almost certainly be required to sign a contract to rent an apartment which is a legally binding agreement (meaning you can't just change your mind and back out of it). There can also be penalties for not following the contract: for example paying rent late may result in a late fee. Dorms are very social environments where you're always around others and most often they're of a similar age group, but that may not be the case in an apartment. I hope this helps.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: College Life: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Apartment Living
Dear Emma,
Deciding where to live during your college years can be a challenging task. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of opting for apartment living:
Advantages:
1. Autonomy and Seclusion: Apartments offer students a higher degree of privacy and independence than dormitories or shared campus housing, fostering personal growth.
2. Customizable Living Spaces: Apartments come in a variety of layouts and sizes, allowing students to select a living environment that aligns with their needs, including the luxury of a private bedroom or bathroom.
3. Community Engagement: Many apartment buildings are designed to cultivate a community spirit among tenants, offering ample opportunities for social interactions and friendship building, enriching the overall college experience.
4. Pet-Friendly Policies: Some apartments permit pets, a significant plus for students seeking the comfort and emotional support that a pet can provide.
5. Access to Facilities: Apartment buildings often provide additional facilities like gyms, swimming pools, and study rooms, enhancing the academic and recreational aspects of college life.
Disadvantages:
1. Elevated Expenses: Living in an apartment can be pricier than dormitory or shared campus housing, factoring in higher rent, utilities, and possible extra charges.
2. Maintenance and Repair Duties: Apartment dwellers are usually responsible for keeping their space in good condition and handling any repair issues, which can be daunting for those inexperienced in home maintenance.
3. Longer Travel Times: Depending on the apartment's location, students might face longer commutes to classes, campus resources, and extracurricular activities, potentially leading to increased travel costs and time.
4. Noise and Disruptions: Apartment living may bring about more noise and disturbances from neighboring tenants, which can affect study routines and overall living conditions.
5. Reduced Campus Engagement: Choosing to live off-campus could result in less participation in campus events and activities, potentially limiting networking opportunities and overall college experience.
Is Apartment Living the Right Choice for College?
Choosing to live in an apartment during college is a decision that hinges on personal preferences, financial capacity, and specific needs. While apartment living can provide more privacy, independence, and amenities, it also comes with higher costs, increased responsibilities, and potential challenges. It's crucial to consider these factors and your unique situation before making your choice.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Dear Emma,
Deciding where to live during your college years can be a challenging task. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of opting for apartment living:
Advantages:
1. Autonomy and Seclusion: Apartments offer students a higher degree of privacy and independence than dormitories or shared campus housing, fostering personal growth.
2. Customizable Living Spaces: Apartments come in a variety of layouts and sizes, allowing students to select a living environment that aligns with their needs, including the luxury of a private bedroom or bathroom.
3. Community Engagement: Many apartment buildings are designed to cultivate a community spirit among tenants, offering ample opportunities for social interactions and friendship building, enriching the overall college experience.
4. Pet-Friendly Policies: Some apartments permit pets, a significant plus for students seeking the comfort and emotional support that a pet can provide.
5. Access to Facilities: Apartment buildings often provide additional facilities like gyms, swimming pools, and study rooms, enhancing the academic and recreational aspects of college life.
Disadvantages:
1. Elevated Expenses: Living in an apartment can be pricier than dormitory or shared campus housing, factoring in higher rent, utilities, and possible extra charges.
2. Maintenance and Repair Duties: Apartment dwellers are usually responsible for keeping their space in good condition and handling any repair issues, which can be daunting for those inexperienced in home maintenance.
3. Longer Travel Times: Depending on the apartment's location, students might face longer commutes to classes, campus resources, and extracurricular activities, potentially leading to increased travel costs and time.
4. Noise and Disruptions: Apartment living may bring about more noise and disturbances from neighboring tenants, which can affect study routines and overall living conditions.
5. Reduced Campus Engagement: Choosing to live off-campus could result in less participation in campus events and activities, potentially limiting networking opportunities and overall college experience.
Is Apartment Living the Right Choice for College?
Choosing to live in an apartment during college is a decision that hinges on personal preferences, financial capacity, and specific needs. While apartment living can provide more privacy, independence, and amenities, it also comes with higher costs, increased responsibilities, and potential challenges. It's crucial to consider these factors and your unique situation before making your choice.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
thank you this was very helpful!
Emma