The dawning of spring sparks the scramble to decide where to live next year. While many options are constantly presented to students, it is important to consider all the choices available. As the desired apartments and houses around campus seem to disappear in a flash because of the obvious benefits of being close to classes and other students, some may not be able to afford these properties or simply want to be a bit more independent of the University atmosphere. For students that fall into the latter category, living off campus is a good option to at least consider.
Some of the pros of living off campus include cheaper rent. For students who can’t afford the expensive rent on campus, finding a property that fits both their personal and financial needs may prove difficult. According to listings on www.eugenerentals.com, a popular housing search Web site, rent can be as much as $100-$300 cheaper off campus than on. While the coveted apartments may be getting newer and nicer, students interested in cheap rent and more space need look no further than a house located just off campus. While the newer apartments for three people are being offered up for rent as high as $1,677, a fairly nice house can be found for the same amount of people and more space for just under $1,000.
Another benefit to living off campus is that it is not only quieter – students that live off campus get away from the University atmosphere.
“Sometimes living on campus is like living in an independent campus bubble removed from the world.” said Andy Saxton, a junior majoring in judaic studies.
Students who live off campus agree that it’s nice to get away every day and find that they are refreshed and ready to start a new day when they come back. Junior Harry Schneider, an art major, says that his favorite thing about living off campus is having his own house.
Unfortunately, living off campus has its downsides as well. One of the biggest is the commute. Students must invest money into purchasing some mode of transportation in order to get to and from class. Living off campus can mean a commitment to being on campus all day instead of going home between classes, and it is often harder to come back to campus if something suddenly comes up. The dreary weather also comes into play when factoring in commute time. Says Schneider; “The bike ride gets cold when it’s raining.”
Though living off campus helps students get away from the hustle of the University, it is harder to go and see friends living on campus. Many students who live off campus begin to feel disconnected even as they thrive in an environment that suits a more independent and quiet lifestyle.
“It’s easier to feel connected to the University community when living on campus because it’s right there,” Saxton said, “but I’d rather live off campus than on it because I feel more independent and like having my own space.”