You might be used to living on campus. But, if you crave more flexibility and freedom, you should consider off-campus apartments near Ohio University.
Pros and Cons of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing at Ohio University
Whether you’re a 3rd year undergraduate student or a grad student at Ohio University, sorting out your living situation can get confusing. Deciding whether to live on campus or off campus is something you need to think about. Once you’ve settled on a living arrangement, then you can start apartment hunting or sign up for a dorm.
In general, your decision boils down to lifestyle, budget, and personal preference.
To make your decision easier, here are the pros and cons of on-campus vs. off-campus living at Ohio University:
Pros & Cons of On-Campus Housing at Ohio University
For the first two years of your undergraduate life at OU, you’ll be living in a school dorm. If you’ve gotten so accustomed to this setup and don’t feel like changing things up, then sticking to on-campus housing may be the right choice. But, in exchange, you’ll have to sacrifice certain things like freedom and limited space.
These are the pros and cons of on-campus living:
Pros
- Convenience and Proximity: Depending on your major, you might be able to live near where most of your classes are. Rolling out of bed half an hour before class can be your thing if you live in the school dorms.
- Community and Social Life: Living with 1-2 dorm roommates is a simple way to meet new people and build friendships. Plus, it will be much easier for you to show up for school community events if you’re a social butterfly.
- Meal Plans and Utilities Included: Costs for your dorm utilities and meal plan will be set at a per semester basis. This makes budgeting predictable, and you won’t be surprised by any unexpected bills.
- Easy Access to Campus Resources: From RA support to study lounges, staying on campus means it’s much easier for you to take advantage of what OU offers.
Cons
- Limited Space and Privacy: Most of the time, you’ll be living with a roommate or two. This means you have really limited space and privacy. It can get tiring to share a room with someone for an entire semester, especially if they snore loudly.
- Less Flexibility: Depending on the residence hall’s rules, you won’t be allowed to do quite a few things. Keeping a pet or even fully decorating your space isn’t possible at a school dorm.
- Higher Cost for a Smaller Space: Living on campus is convenient, but it’s usually a lot more expensive than finding a place off-campus. The fees for OU’s dorms can be pretty hefty.
- Moving Out During School Breaks: It’s quite a hassle to have to move out and pack up every summer and winter break. If you’re not a fan of having to leave your residence, then living in a dorm isn’t the best option.
These are just a few things to take into consideration if you’re thinking about living on-campus. Does living in a school dorm suit your needs and budget? If not, you might need to look into off-campus rentals.
Why Off-Campus Housing Near Ohio University Might Be Right for You
University is a time to spread your wings! Luckily, there are a ton of off-campus housing options near OU. If you spend a lot of time uptown at bars and restaurants, then living closer would be a great choice. Plus, off-campus rentals usually end up a lot cheaper than living in a school dorm. There are a lot of pros to living off-campus for your final 2 years of undergrad, but there will also be caveats.
Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of Ohio University off-campus apartments and housing:
Pros
- Cost Effective and More Affordable: Splitting the rent among friends for a house or apartment usually ends up a lot cheaper than dorm fees. Typically, a single bedroom costs around $566/month or a little bit more depending on the place.
- Independence and Freedom: You don’t have to play by anybody’s rules when you live off-campus. That means no curfews. As long as you hold up your end of the rental agreement, you’ll be free to do whatever you want.
- Larger Space for Less : Off-campus apartments come with added room. You’ll most likely have access to a kitchen, so you can make your own meals on a budget.
Cons
- Longer Commute: Depending on your location, you might have to walk a longer distance to get to your classes. Driving or public transport is also another option.
- More Responsibility: Paying your utility bills every month is something you need to keep in mind. It’s another step towards adulting.
- Less Accessible School Events: Staying connected and showing up to school events might be a bit harder when you live off-campus. But, this can be remedied with being intentional and putting effort to maintain friendships.
- Tough to Secure a Place: Finding a nice place you want to stay in for a year or so can be a battle royale. There’s a high demand for off-campus housing, so you need to start early if you want to get a great apartment.
Independent Off-Campus Living near Ohio University
Choosing between living off-campus or sticking to on-campus housing can be a tough decision. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you want to live your student life and your budget. If you’re someone who likes structure and accessibility, staying in a school dorm might be better. But, if you crave independence, well-maintained off-campus housing will be your best bet.