How to Decide Whether to Live On or Off Campus

By eHow Education Editor

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Many factors can influence your decision to live on or off campus. Consider the following carefully before committing to a housing choice.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

City Maps
Calculators
Local Newspapers
Pens
Spiral Notebooks

Step1

Determine your budget for your monthly rent and compare the options. If finances are the issue, your choice will usually be dictated for you.

Step2

Decide which would benefit you more socially, intellectually and/or physically.

Step3

Think about the ages of those who would likely live around you, and whether you have similar interests.

Step4

Consider your transportation options, taking into account expense and convenience.

Step5

Figure into your decision any work and family concerns.

Step6

Evaluate each environment to make sure it meets your standards for noise, pollution, security and safety.

Tips & Warnings

Make the extra stretch to live somewhere you like. It's important to go home each day to a place in which you feel comfortable.
If you have a bad feeling about a place before you make your decision, stick with your gut. Problems often worsen before they get any better.
Don't sign a lease that leaves you no escape clause. You always need an out in case something awful happens.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 If you're really poor, like me, and can't afford on campus housing, try living with a relative or roommate. School gets expensive, especially if you're attending one where you have to pay out-of-state tuition. So you might try that for a little while until you can get your finances stable enough so you can get your own place (or dorm, whichever you prefer).

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Living off-campus has been great for me. I have my privacy, my own bathroom, and I can throw parties whenever I want. Plus, no worries about where to go during the summer and I can still have my cats. The space is great too.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Like the title says, it's a no-brainer. Living on campus is so much more fun. You can attend a lot more on-campus events, you get to meet more people, and it's a good experience. And one more thing, DO NOT LIVE AT HOME!

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