As a college student, you will have to make a massive number of decisions, often for the first time: what classes to take, which internships to apply for, where to live. Consider these housing options when you’re trying to decide where you want to live.
Dormitories
Your college or university will likely have a number of housing options for students. If you’re a freshman, you’re likely going to live in dormitory-style housing with one roommate, or in a suite-style dorm with multiple roommates. The expenses of living there are all-included, consisting of rent, a meal plan, and laundry facilities.
This is often the most expensive form of housing and your college may require you to live on campus for the first couple of years as you adjust to the difficulties associated with the college transition. You may also be able to live in a more independent style of living if your college supplies townhouses on campus.
Townhouses
Off-campus housing options are often more affordable than the housing supplied by the campus. Nearly 87% of college students choose off-campus living options. Your rent will go directly to your landlord or property manager, and you have the freedom to buy your own food instead of relying solely on a meal plan.
Townhouse rentals are a popular form of real estate for students on a budget. These small houses or apartments have shared walls, but many amenities are often included. It’s likely you’ll get regular lawn maintenance, parking, and laundry, though these are not always offered. Regardless, your landlord should take care of any problems you have while living there, like plumbing or heating issues. This housing option is preferred among students because they usually have a lawn and offer more space than an apartment. Look for a real estate company that can help guide you in the right direction before you make any final decisions.
Apartment
Apartments for students are another popular option: not only do many apartment building nearby campuses offer discounted rates for students, they’re often populated by the same people you have classes with. This type of living space is similar to a townhouse in that you have shared walls with multiple units, but apartments are usually a bit smaller in comparison.
Though they don’t often come with a lawn or recreational space, apartments are usually more affordable than townhouses and still come with the perks of relying on a landlord to fix any issues you might have with your rental.
House
If you don’t like the idea of walking up stairs or sharing walls with your neighbor, a house might be a great option for you. Whether you’re renting or buying a house, the number-one perk is that you don’t have to share your walls. Instead, you usually get a couple floors of living space and will likely have a lawn to play on. However, buying a house is likely not a realistic option for the student on a budget, and renting a home is often the most expensive form of off-campus housing. Try to limit the cost by living with roommates or cutting down on the costs of your amenities.
While there are many housing options for students, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Keep in mind that figuring out the best housing options for students is a difficult area to navigate and relying on professional help might be the way to go when you want to discuss your student housing options.