College Student Housing: Should I Live On-Campus or Off-Campus?

Student accommodation is the first thing that pops up when you think about moving abroad for studies. After choosing your university and destination city, the choice of student housing has a significant impact on your study abroad experience. 

As an international student you will have a huge number of options to choose from. There are a lot of things that you need to consider and tick off from your checklist before finalizing. Of course, your decision will also be influenced by your personal biases. 

You either go for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. Of course, there are different types of off-campus, but we will get to it in a while. Now which one should you go for? Based on my experience, I will differentiate between both types of housing, so it becomes easier for you to decide. 

Don't worry if this is your first time moving out of your home, this article will tell you everything you need to know about how to decide on the best student accommodation. Should you choose off-campus because it's your first time abroad, or on-campus accommodation to save some money? 

Every student housing has its own advantages and disadvantages. What things you need in your student room and what can be compromised on will influence your final decision. One option isn’t necessarily better than the other, as they ultimately depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. 

What is On-Campus Accommodation? 

It basically means student accommodation that is provided by your educational institution. Universities and colleges provide living arrangements for students to reside in while they study. I guess you can say it is convenient because you will have access to facilities and resources of the university. You will be closer to your classes and have more peer interaction. 

On-campus living can be a way to ease into college life while immersing yourself in campus activities and events. Some institutes even provide apartments for married students. On-campus rooms are managed by the institution, let us look at the type of on-campus housing: 

1. Residence halls: 

These are large buildings with multiple rooms. The apartments are shared by two or more students. Facilities like bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and common area are shared among students. Residence halls may also offer services such as meals, cleaning, and security. 

2. Dormitories: 

These rooms are usually smaller as compared to residence hall rooms and more basic. The facilities in dorms are less but so is its rent. Dormitories are often reserved for first year students or those with special needs. 

What is Off-Campus Accommodation? 

As the name suggests, student accommodation near or outside campus premises is called off-campus accommodation. These are not managed by any educational institution. This type of housing offers more flexibility and freedom than on-campus alternatives. These are more cost-effective and give students a chance to assimilate in the local community. 

Off-campus accommodation offers a fuller experience of living independently in a foreign country. You get real-world experience in areas like paying their own bills, finding renter's insurance, cooking your own meals and negotiating or reviewing contracts. It can include various options for international students, such as: 

1. Apartments: 

These include multiple private bedrooms, common kitchen, bathroom, and living area. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on your budget. Location and amenities are some things which you should consider while looking for apartments. 

2. Flats: 

Just like apartments but comparatively cheaper. Of course, with lower rent you will get fewer amenities, but if you don’t mind that then this is the best option. 

3. Shared rooms: 

Shared rooms can be found in flats, houses, and apartments. Two or more students can share the same room and facilities to cut down on living expenses. It is less private but more social and cheaper than having an individual room. 

Conclusion? 

So, on-campus or off-campus? Don't worry you don’t have to decide yet, but you will have to sooner or later. The choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and circumstances, but I hope this article was of some help. 

Personally? I prefer off-campus student accommodation. Private student apartments are the best. You get to experience both, full freedom and bear complete responsibility. You can have as much fun as you want, and you will have to manage everything on your own. 

For me, on-campus accommodation just doesn't provide the same feel of living as a student in a foreign city. If you do decide to go for on-campus student rooms, you can refer to Uninist website. That is where I found my ideal student accommodation in the UK. 

Uninist is a popular accommodation provider. It is known for providing flexible student accommodation, not many accommodation providers can claim to provide the same. Due to this, you can also get short-term student accommodation, depending on the length of your course abroad.