Living on-campus vs off-campus | all you need to know

Most students are torn between a choice of whether to stay in the school-provided accommodation facility referred to as ‘on-campus’ or rent a private apartment off campus.

Of course, I understand that a good number of students by virtue of financial constraints do not have access to this kind of liberty. And basically, they make do with whatever kind of accommodation they can find.

However, for many students, the couple of years they will spend in a higher institution of learning is their first experience of living away from home. Away from their parents and family members.

For most of them, the initial thrill and euphoria that accompanies their admission soon give way to the question of accommodation. In fact it’s the immediate next thing after admission.

This article is written for students in the other category who seek to explore all the positives and negatives associated with either choosing to live on campus or off campus. More importantly, to enable students an informed decision on where to stay.

Perhaps I should quickly state that the opportunity to choose where to stay is not available to students in most private universities. Why? because they are compelled to stay on-campus throughout their stay in school.

Moreover, some public schools make staying in hostel mandatory for students at certain years of their study, particularly students studying medicine.

The point I’m making here is that if you are in a position to make this choice, it’s somewhat of a privilege.

Why you should stay in the hostel

Below are the benefits of living in the hostel (on campus).

1. You get to experience school

Staying on campus gives you the thrill and the feeling of complete schooling experience. One that you will never get outside of it. It puts you right in the middle of schooling activities.

From the latest campus gist to union activities, to student concerts, a campus life puts you right in the thick of things.

In a way, a campus life makes things easy and fun for you. Check out other advantages of living in the hostel on campus.

But are there reasons staying in the hostel is not a good idea?

Below are the disadvantages of staying in the hostel (on campus).

1. Little or no privacy

The most obvious drawback of staying in the hostel is in a way the most appealing thing about campus life. If you are a person who values space and personal privacy, then campus life would be a no-deal for you.

The bustle of life in the hostel can have a telling negative effect on somebody who appreciates their own space. You are certain to feel exposed, irritated and annoyed.

We wrote an article showing you 6 things you should do before finishing school. Little or no privacy could affect some of those things.

2. You lack some freedom

Campus life places a certain restriction on you. Depending on the school you attend, you might not be able to move freely at every time.

There is also the fact that you are most likely to be sharing a modest-sized room with 3, 4 or maybe 5 people. This includes bathing and kitchen space.

Bottom line is, you can’t do what you like, when you like without taking your roommates into consideration. Quickly see my post on how to live with a roommate. You can’t afford to not read it.

3. High chance of negative peer influence

Also, it is easier to fall into the wrong company if you stay in a hall of residence.

It’s basic psychology. People you live with every day are more likely to be able to exert some sort of influence over you after a while.

So if you happen to fall in with the wrong company, it may not mean well for your academic performance as well as your career.

Why you should stay off campus (outside school)

Below are the benefits of living off campus.

1. You have total independence

It’s basically the reverse of staying on campus. The independence is exhilarating.

Unlike staying on campus, you can come and go as you please. There is nobody bugging you about your bad snoring habits, or telling you it’s your turn to clean the room and the likes.

Talking about independence, check out these 6 surest ways to make money in school and be independent.

2. You have quietness

Also, staying off-campus can give you a certain sense of solitude and quiet. It breeds a sense of maturity as you are completely in control of your affairs and running your own mini household.

3. Gives you great study environment

There is also the fact that you are likely to be in a place with less noise than a school hostel. This can be a timely and very important study advantage. You can check out how to get good grades in school.

4. High chance of meeting experienced people

Lastly, you might get to meet more mature people. Chances are, your neighbours might probably be married people or working-class professionals.

It gives you a whole different viewpoint, one that might serve you well in later years.

But are there reasons staying off campus is a bad idea?

Below are advantages of living off campus.

1. Its expensive

This is the most obvious; staying off-campus is definitely more expensive, way more expensive.

You are likely to be faced with more demands and responsibilities ranging from utility bills to cooking all your meals.

This is where money-management skills come handy. See how to optimize your finances in school.

2. Guaranteed inconvenience

You are also likely going to be faced with more inconveniences, including transporting yourself to school and getting relevant information on time.

3. Less involvement in school activities

Also, you will have fewer friends and might not be able to get fully involved in campus activities. There is a flip side.

More independence can very easily translate to more decadence especially if you do not have a strong moral bearing.

Wrapping up

Truth is, none is really better than the other, all things considered. It’s as simple as deciding which one works best for you, whether staying in the hostel or off campus.

I hope this post gives you an insight into life on-campus and off-campus.

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog? I’d like to hear from you, please leave a comment below.

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