Monday, 19 June 2017

Campus Living: On campus vs Off Campus

Upon being accepted into college, one of the most important things to consider is boarding. Would you prefer residing on or off campus? Going to college for most means being independent and away from family with you being in charge of all your responsibilities. The place in which you choose to live is crucial.

Residing on campus more often than not suit persons who enjoy having company as you will be living in a dorm which is a part of a residency hall where you share that hall with hundreds of other person from different nationalities and walks of life. On campus has it's pros and cons.

PROS: 

  • It is right on campus so you have easy access to all what campus has to offer on a 24 hour basis
  • You don't have to worry about being late to class as it may be near by
  • For persons who enjoy company, halls usually have many residents
CONS:
  • For persons who enjoy quiet it's often difficult it get this while living on campus as you are surrounded by noise which may come from halls or campus 
  • Persons who enjoy being privacy or may not like sharing various things such as bathrooms,kitchens on campus living may not be the best option.
  • There may also be a tendency of personal items being taken or borrowed without your consent.
  • Space is often limited while living on campus
  • It is often the more costly option

Residing off campus requires more independence as you may be required to cook,clean and wash for yourself. However, it suits persons who do not enjoy interaction or may prefer living on their own. Off campus living often requires a roommate which may be a lot cheaper than individual living. Off campus also has its pros and cons.

PROS:
  • Often cheaper than living on campus.
  • It provides you with more privacy and more storage space. 
  • It is very quiet compared to dorm life which aids in studying better.
  • Living off-campus also affords you the opportunity to get a deeper taste of independence and adulthood. You will be running your own (mini) household. 
CONS:
  • Depends on where you reside you might find yourself feeling isolated from your school and your peers. Also, depending on how far away you live, your commute might affect how, where and when you choose to socialize.
  • If you aren't ready to cook and clean for yourself then off campus may not be your best option.
When it comes to deciding on whether to reside on or off campus, there really isn't a right answer as that decision relies on you. Both options have their pros and cons. This decision depends highly on your needs and preferences. If you do regret your choice, the important thing is that it's only temporary.


Author note:

I have resided off campus for a year now. At my college off campus is the cheaper choice. I chose it due the cost difference and the quiet nature. Also, on campus is often competitive when it comes to applying for residency as many students attend college and the halls of residence available may be limited. My experience living off campus has it's pros and cons. I have three roommates who are all females so we are comfortable with each other. We share common areas. The pros I would say is the level of privacy I receive and the storage space available as compared to that of the campus dorms which I've noticed on my many visits. The community I reside in is a very quiet one so I am able to concentrate on my studies very well. The apartment is fully furnished and it offers WiFi, water and cable television in the rent. I am only required to pay the electricity, gas and phone on a monthly basis which is not very costly. However, there are cons although I live a mere 5 minute drive away from campus. Getting to campus by feet takes 15-20 minutes and the weather may be a problem as I attend a Caribbean college therefore, the sun may be very hot or it may rain heavily. My community is on the campus shuttle route but if I am to go to campus on a weekend or a certain time I may have to go by feet. But all in all I enjoy living off campus and I would recommend it to anyone.


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