Benefits of Living Off-Campus For College Students
Living in off-campus housing can be highly beneficial for college students. Where a student lives directly influences their quality of life and academic performance.
Foregoing crowded dorm rooms and communal bathrooms in favor of a spacious rental apartment or townhome is a great option.
Undergrad students can thrive by having a quiet place to study, recharge and hang out with friends away from the buzz on campus. They'll also learn important lessons about independence they'll utilize long after receiving their diploma.
We are breaking down some of the key reasons why renting a place away from campus can be a huge advantage for students.
More Choices and Control
On-campus housing often comes with many restrictions and little control for students. When renting off-campus, you have far more options and stewardship over your space.
For instance, you can choose your roommates, unlike in college dorms, where you might get paired with a total stranger. You can also enjoy having more control over the area you live in and what's nearby.
While exploring different rental options, you can compare prices and weigh your choices. You have more freedom to find a property that has the features, amenities and location you want — something you cannot do with dorms or other types of on-campus housing.
Convenient Parking
Many colleges do not let all students keep a car parked on campus. In some cases, only upperclassmen can purchase a parking pass to drive to class and park where they want to. They have these rules to limit how many vehicles are on campus and how many spaces they need to accommodate everyone.
Off-campus, you enjoy the freedom of having your car whenever you need it, including when you want to:
- Drive home for the weekend.
- Run to the grocery store.
- Commute to work.
A rental property typically has convenient parking that tenants don't have to pay extra for.
The amenities for off-campus housing are also often more plentiful than on campus. For example, you get access to a full kitchen, not just a minifridge and microwave.
Fewer Distractions and More Space
One of the greatest benefits of off-campus housing is having more peace and quiet. College campuses can be busy, loud and hectic. Moving to a rental property away from the chaos can greatly benefit a student's work ethic. An apartment has far fewer distractions and interruptions than a dorm room.
You cannot control the noise or activities going on around campus. Those living in an off-campus apartment can enjoy a more serene study environment with less outside noise. Having more space is also advantageous, and it helps students live and study more comfortably.
Year-Round Housing
Students who live in dorms or other types of on-campus housing typically have to move out during the summer months and move back in when school starts in the fall. By opting to live in off-campus housing, you can enjoy having a place to keep your stuff all year long — no need to move your stuff multiple times.
If you work on or near campus when classes are not in session, having an apartment or townhouse where you can stay throughout the year can be highly beneficial.
Adult Responsibility
Among the greatest perks of living in off-campus student housing is learning to manage more adult responsibilities. While living in a dorm is the first taste of freedom for many young adults, they still have to answer to a resident advisor and follow all the guidelines of dorm living.
When you move into your off-campus housing, you are responsible for taking care of your space, getting your rent check in on time and communicating with your rental property owners and landlords. You learn a lot about being an independent adult and managing a household.
Some rental properties will also allow you to have a pet, which is much tougher or even impossible if you're living on campus.
More Privacy and Freedom
Another leading benefit of living off-campus is having more privacy and freedom. You don't have to share communal space with strangers, which means no waiting for a shower or getting dressed in a dorm's close quarters. Instead, you have the time and space you need to get things done on your own schedule.
Off-campus living also means no resident advisor to answer to and no strict curfew. If you want to have friends over to study or hang out, you don't have to worry about dorm restrictions or lights-out rules.
Healthier Options
Universities and colleges are not known for supporting the healthiest lifestyle. Between meal plans, parties and late nights, the on-campus experience can be pretty unhealthy.
When you rent a place away from campus, you can set yourself up for success and choose options that are better for you. For example, you can prep healthier meals because you have your own kitchen to prepare and store food.
The hustle and bustle of on-campus life can interfere with getting a good night's sleep. Living off-campus with adult neighbors means you are more likely to get better sleep, even on a Saturday night.
Building Credit and Rental History
Living away from the university community and campus can help students start building two important things — credit scores and rental histories. Both of these factors will make life significantly easier in the future.
If you pay rent and report it to credit bureaus, you can start to boost your credit score. Good credit means better insurance rates, lower credit card interest and more financial options.
Another way to increase your credit score while living off-campus is to pay your monthly utility bills on time. By paying rent on time and taking great care of your unit, you can also build a positive rental history to show rental property owners when it's time to get your next place.
Cost Savings
Living off-campus can help you save money as a college student. Parking is usually cheaper or entirely free. You also have more control over how much you spend on things like your utility bill and groceries. Meal plans tend to be one of the largest expenses for students, so getting your own food can make a big difference.
Find Off-Campus Rental Properties from AHPM in Your Location Today
If you're looking for an off-campus rental property in Central Pennsylvania or the Baltimore Metro area, turn to American Heritage Property Management. We have rental properties near Shippensburg, Elizabethtown, York, Lancaster, Baltimore and more!
With over 40 years in business and nine offices, the AHPM team can help you find the right off-campus home near your college or university. We make it easy to pay rent, chat with us or submit a maintenance request from the convenience of your online tenant portal.
Are you ready to get started? Browse the rental properties from American Heritage Property Management, or contact us to learn more today!
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