What are the differences in living on campus or off at college? Off campus you’ll have more freedom, but on campus is so much more convenient. In the dorms there is a curfew for your guests, this will often be a problem. There are usually two people who are living in a room big enough for two beds and little room for much else. It is also very difficult to cook in a dorm as you have no kitchen in your room, and you may not even have a kitchen on your floor. Even if you do have a kitchen on your floor there is rarely any room to store your food in your room. You are forced to either get a meal plan or eat out all the time. Then, in some of the dorms all of the people have to share a bathroom. Carrying all of your things from the bathroom to the dorm room is very annoying and shower shoes are just awkward.
Some of the advantages of living in the dorms are that it comes with everything that you will need. There of course is a bed, bathroom, and usually by living in the dorm it comes with a meal plan. Dorms tend to be safer than living off campus because there is security always around. There is somebody you know all the time, and getting into the dorm is very secure because they are locked at all times; you must have a special key to get in. Also, being on campus lets you be in the center of all the action. All of your resources are right around the corner, and all the fun events are right there with you. Living in the dorms your first year is a great way to meet new people and establish long lasting relationships.
What exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of living off campus? Probably one of the greatest advantages of living off campus is the fact that you do not have a curfew for your guests, they can stay there past twelve o’clock on a school night and it all works out fine. Of course, by living off campus you can have some crazy parties if you want to. People can not exactly have a huge party in their dorm room unless they did it without getting caught, which is not exactly easy. The quality of living is usually much better than the dorms. You normally get much more room and often your own bathroom. Also, you actually can have a living room for you and your buddies to watch the game. One could decorate their apartment or house anyway they want as long as it is okay with the landlord. There is always a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and of course counter space and sink so you could fix your own meals. There is also a chance of having a washer and dryer in the apartment, or at least the hook ups. You will never have to stock pile quarters and haul your cloths to the laundry room and then wait for everyone else who has decided to wash their clothes at the same time as you ever again.
Some of the disadvantages of living off campus are that you can often feel left out from the buzz of college. There will most likely be tons of parties and things to do at your apartment and such, but it will never be the same as having all your buds right there with you in your dorm. So, when you decide to go to class or go to an event, or just see your old dorm buddies on campus you are going to have to hop in the car to get there.
Living off campus can be a bit more confusing, with paying rent, utilities, groceries, and gas, but I have found that it is worth it. If you can get past not having the buzz of college around you all the time then it is a pretty good deal. Both living situations have their benefits and downfalls but they both will offer great experiences that you can hold onto forever.
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