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College is one of the most important periods in most people’s lives. It is a chance to practice adulthood while still having a safety net through their parents. One of the biggest decisions is where to live. There are many positive and negative aspects to the various Ohio University off-campus housing options. The Pocketbook In many places, monthly rent can be cheaper than the cost of living in a dorm. There are many apartments or even smaller houses that can be rented close to campus at reasonable rates. And, the rate can be even cheaper if it is divided amongst several roommates. But, there are other expenses like utilities or food that can add up to a more expensive number than living on campus. Even little things like furnishing the space can increase the overall cost. All the costs on campus are rolled into one fee that can sometimes be covered by scholarships or grants. This makes it easier to keep track of how much stuff costs and how to budget expenses. Freedom vs. Responsibility There are many rules that come with living on campus. But off campus, there are no rules to have to follow. There is no curfew to adhere to or music limits unless enforced by the police. Students can enjoy more freedom and begin to feel like an adult. But, there are more responsibilities off campus than on. Monthly bills need to be paid and time management is a key for studying. Very Spacious Anyone that has lived in a college dorm can attest to how small they are. In essence, they are just a bedroom to sleep in. Off-campus housing, even the smallest of apartments, will have more room. Students will have their own kitchen and sitting area as well as plenty of space for clothes or studying. And, depending on the number of people sharing, more room in the bathroom. They will even have a bedroom door to escape from everyone and enjoy some private time. The Daily Commute One of the best features of on campus housing is the proximity to all the classes. Many students are able to oversleep and still get to their class on time. Living off campus can mean dealing with traffic concerns and then searching for a parking spot that is not miles away from the lecture hall. Owning a car to commute every day adds another set of expenses like gas of oil changes. Roommates Besides monetary issues, the best reason for living off campus is being able to pick who to live with. Many schools will assign roommates in the dorms to get people to know each other. Living in an apartment can avoid the possible bad chemistry between roommates that has to last for the entire year. Community Involvement One of the biggest drawbacks to living off campus is the disconnect between student and school. Living in a dorm can create friendships and relationships organically. If a student is living off campus, they have to work harder to meet people and form those bonds. They also tend to not feel part of the school community because they are farther away. There are many different positive and negative reasons to consider when thinking about Ohio University off-campus housing. While some students are very mature and can handle the responsibility, others still need the structure of a dorm room. Each step should be weighed out according to the student's talents to see which choice is best.
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