The Student Room Group

Living on campus vs off campus

Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...
There’s no single answer to this. It depends on what transport you would be using to travel between campus and the town centre, how often you expect to be on campus, how often you expect to want to visit the town centre, whether you plan to work in the town centre and your hours of work etc etc
Reply 2
Living on campus can offer convenience and easier access to campus facilities, but it might be pricier.


Off-campus living could be more cost-effective, provide privacy, and greater food flexibility, but it might require a commute.

Both options have their perks, so consider your priorities like budget, independence, and lifestyle to make the best choice for you. Now choice is your... !!
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hey!
Choosing between living on campus and off campus is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and priorities. I can provide you with some insights to help you make an informed decision:

Living on Campus:
Pros:

1.

Convenience: Living on campus usually means you're closer to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities.

2.

Community: It's easier to make friends and engage in campus activities when you live on campus.

3.

Amenities: On-campus housing often comes with amenities like meal plans, study lounges, and organized events.

Cons:

1.

Cost: On-campus housing can be more expensive than off-campus options.

2.

Less Privacy: Living in a dorm means sharing space with others, which may limit your privacy.

Living Off Campus:
Pros:

1.

Cost: Renting off-campus housing can sometimes be more affordable, especially if you share expenses with roommates.

2.

Independence: You have more control over your living environment and can choose your roommates.

3.

More Space: Off-campus housing often provides more space and amenities compared to a typical dorm room.

Cons:

1.

Commute: Depending on the location, you may have to commute to campus, which could be time-consuming.

2.

Isolation: If you're not proactive about engaging with campus life, you might feel a bit disconnected.

Considerations:

1.

Budget: Evaluate your financial situation and consider both short-term and long-term costs.

2.

Priorities: Decide what factors are most important to you whether it's cost, independence, or a sense of community.

3.

Social Life: Think about how you prefer to socialize and whether living on or off campus aligns with your preferences.

4.

Study Environment: Consider which living situation provides the best environment for your academic success.

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and it ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions or if there's anything else I can help you with!

Best Wishes
Priya :smile:
Postgraduate Ambassador
University of Southampton
Reply 4
Original post by UoS PG students
Hey!
Choosing between living on campus and off campus is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and priorities. I can provide you with some insights to help you make an informed decision:

Living on Campus:
Pros:

1.

Convenience: Living on campus usually means you're closer to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities.

2.

Community: It's easier to make friends and engage in campus activities when you live on campus.

3.

Amenities: On-campus housing often comes with amenities like meal plans, study lounges, and organized events.

Cons:

1.

Cost: On-campus housing can be more expensive than off-campus options.

2.

Less Privacy: Living in a dorm means sharing space with others, which may limit your privacy.

Living Off Campus:
Pros:

1.

Cost: Renting off-campus housing can sometimes be more affordable, especially if you share expenses with roommates.

2.

Independence: You have more control over your living environment and can choose your roommates.

3.

More Space: Off-campus housing often provides more space and amenities compared to a typical dorm room.

Cons:

1.

Commute: Depending on the location, you may have to commute to campus, which could be time-consuming.

2.

Isolation: If you're not proactive about engaging with campus life, you might feel a bit disconnected.

Considerations:

1.

Budget: Evaluate your financial situation and consider both short-term and long-term costs.

2.

Priorities: Decide what factors are most important to you whether it's cost, independence, or a sense of community.

3.

Social Life: Think about how you prefer to socialize and whether living on or off campus aligns with your preferences.

4.

Study Environment: Consider which living situation provides the best environment for your academic success.

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and it ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions or if there's anything else I can help you with!

Best Wishes
Priya :smile:
Postgraduate Ambassador
University of Southampton

Why ChatGPT ....
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hi there

I think this really depends on the location and the type of accommodation you choose.

For the past few years I have been living on campus, I find it really convenient in terms of attending seminars and lectures. Compared to my friends who lived off campus, I saved much more time and money for transport.

In terms of privacy, it really depended on where the accommodation team allocates rooms- I was lucky as I was not placed on the ground floor. Having a house off campus may allow you to have a better room.

For food, I find that some University accommodations offer food packages which can save you some money. However, I would recommend you checking the price of the food and the menu to see whether you fancy it. (Sometimes if you choose the package, you may not have your own kitchen, which may be something that affects your decision). In general, food in town seems to be more expensive (if buying take aways etc.).

I do not think that studying on or off campus has much of a difference, as there will always be quiet spaces on campus. However, you may like to consider the time taken to commute between campus and accommodation which could impact the amount of free time you have.

I hope this helps.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hi!

Either way you wont be alone. In my first year we were kind of split 60/40 with people who lived on-campus and then people who lived privately or at home still. I lived on campus and really enjoyed it, I found meeting people easier, it felt safer to know that we had safe-guarding (basically university staff who walk around campus making sure everything is alright and can provide medical support if needed) around, having the library close was great for exam time, and the quick walk to classes was great too!

From talking to people who lived off-campus for there first year some of them did find it a little cheaper rent wise but they also felt a little out of the loop when it came to meeting people and doing things after core university hours when classes are on. This is something you can work to not be effected by as much by joining clubs and societies ect. but I would just keep it in mind 🙂

I would say that living off campus you would have a private kitchen which if that's something you really want go for it. I honestly really enjoyed having everyone popping in and out of the kitchen and making food together but if you prefer to have it quiet when cooking or if you want your kitchen to be spotless all of the time then off campus or an on campus studio may be best for you (if your uni does it). However with a studio it is also a little harder to meet people and a LOT more expensive.

I hope this helps!

- Jessica
2nd year Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hi @MitchLife ,

It really depends what is most important for you.

Living on campus will be convenient as it will mean less travel time. It will also mean less travel costs which in the long run can really add up. It also means that you will be living with people at your University so you will have this in common with them.They can be more sociable, with things like shared living spaces and common rooms too.I'd say there is probably less privacy as you may be living with more people than if you were to live off campus and you have no choice where you room may be located- e.g. ground floor next to a footpath. Whereas in an off-campus house, you can choose a location that suits you and you have more control over the room that you will be staying in.

Living off campus will likely be cheaper, however, you will have to consider the cost of your commute which will easily add up if you need to be on campus most days. This depends on your course though, and how often it requires you to be on campus. You can usually have more control over your roommates and where your house is so this is a positive. However,if your friends are living on campus you may feel a little bit left out in this aspect and you will have to make more of an effort to socialise as you will have to travel further.

Again, this is. personal preference but there are pros and cons to both,

I hope this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hey there 😀

When deciding between living on or off-campus, it often comes down to individual capabilities, and priorities. At De Montfort University (DMU), I have found a balance that suits my needs perfectly.

At DMU, you will find a wide range of options, with around a dozen student halls on the campus or within a short walking distance. These accommodations cater to various preferences in terms of privacy, with studios and smaller or larger shared flats. The prices are also flexible, starting at a reasonable 95 pounds per week, allowing you to choose an option that fits your budget.

Another notable advantage of living on campus at DMU is the self-catered accommodation. While this means you are responsible for your own meals, the accommodations are well-equipped with modern kitchens. This setup provides the freedom to cook your own meals and save money that would otherwise be spent on eating out.

The final perk of living on campus is the central location within the city centre. That means you are in close proximity to anything you might need. I can comfortably walk to most places, saving both the time and money commuting requires.

By choosing to live on campus at De Montfort University, factors such as money, privacy, access to amenities, and the convenience of city living have been addressed for me. I did not have to give up anything. Therefore, I encourage you to take this into consideration when choosing a university for yourself.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University
Original post by MitchLife
Hi
I wanted to know what would be a better choice for living on campus or off campus considering cost, privacy, food, studies etc...

Hi @MitchLife,
Generally, living on campus tends to be more convenient as your close to your lectures and the rest of your friends if they live on campus. Campus living tends to be more expensive per week, however they tend to have shorter housing contracts and don't provide housing over the summer months (this can either save money or be an inconvenience if you want to stay at uni over summer). Food shops on campus tend to be corner shops so are more expensive or usually to get to a main supermarket this requires bus travel. Also, there is usually on campus security helping you to feel safer on campus.

Living off campus varies for convenience based on how far away from the uni you are and how much time you typically spend on campus outside of lecture times. Living off campus is generally cheaper per week although there are longer contracts. You have more variety in the types of shops available usually making it cheaper. It might be worth looking into bus pass options if you decide to live off campus as it can be expensive using the buses to get to lectures each day or alternatively walk or cycle dependent on distance. Living off campus can feel equally safe dependent on the area you live.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

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