How to Afford to Live Off Campus

Living off campus can be important if you want to live away from the university, in a different neighborhood, or just want to be on your own. Living off campus can be more expensive in that the costs are not covered with your financial aid and education costs. Use these steps to learn how you can afford to live off campus while attending the university.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Live at home. If you are attending a university locally you can save money by staying at home and working out a living arrangement with your parents. The rent will be cheaper and the transition will be easier.
2. Contact your university housing office. Many universities now have off-campus housing options. The rent can be worked into your financial aid, as well some of your other living expenses, like utilities. Some off-campus housing is reserved for students with children; make sure to ask about the guidelines.
3. Get a roommate. Finding roommates can be fairly easy, as students post on bulletin boards on campus. It would be a great way for you to find a house with a room open too.
4. Consider a co-op housing situation. Co-ops are houses that have two to four apartments or rooms with shared kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. The rent is often cheaper than a separate apartment as the kitchen and bathroom costs are split. The utilities are often combined too which can lower your utility costs as well.

Tips & Warnings

• When deciding to live off-campus, make sure that you are on top of getting campus life information. On campus students often get newsletters or bulletins that are not delivered to off-campus students.
• Many universities have an off-campus housing website. Ask your school housing office about this. It can be a great resource for school offered housing or to find a roommate with similar interest.
• Since it is difficult to take the time to get to know people before moving in with them in a student situation, consider putting a lock on your room to secure your property while you are gone.