October 13, 2025
My Roommates Are Getting a House Without Me. Now What?
You thought you had the plan. Maybe you and your roommates were supposed to stick together — upgrade from a cramped apartment to a bigger house,...
Grad school isn’t just furthering your education—it’s a major lifestyle move. Maybe you’re climbing the career ladder, shifting fields, or diving deeper into your academic passion. Whatever your reason, one thing’s for sure: juggling grad school with everything else (jobs, kids, dogs, your daily Wordle streak) is no small feat.
And before you even crack open a textbook, you’ve got a few big choices to make: private vs public, online or in-person? Let’s break it all down so you can figure out what fits best, both academically and personally, plus see how CORT can help make wherever-you-learn feel a lot more like home.
Spoiler: it’s not just 22-year-olds fresh off campus. Today’s grad students are:
Translation? There’s no one type of grad student, path to becoming a grad student, and definitely no one-size-fits-all format. So, should you choose an online or in-person graduate program? There’s no clear-cut “right or wrong” answer. It’s about finding what makes sense for you in this season of life.
We’re here to help you break it down.
Online grad school (aka remote grad programs or distance learning) has totally transformed the way people pursue higher ed. You might be Zooming from your kitchen table—but make no mistake, it’s the real deal.
From cost savings to being able to learn when (and wherever) you want, here are the major pros of online graduate school.
Morning person? Night owl? Lunch break learner? You do you. Many online grad programs offer asynchronous coursework, meaning you can complete lectures and assignments when it fits your day.
Yep, online programs can offer some cost savings. You can skip the campus fees and the pricey on-campus living and meal plans.
Plus, some online programs charge lower tuition or offer in-state rates to out-of-state online learners.
Not sure where you’ll be in the next two years–much less, potentially, the next two months? Online learning is especially great for military families or anyone frequently on the move. Still searching for your forever city? You won’t have to pause your progress every time your zip code changes during a short-term move, whether it’s because duty or wanderlust calls.
There are online graduate programs specifically for working professionals. Many offer accelerated tracks or allow part-time pacing. You can keep working full-time while building skills that apply to your current (or future) role.
Targeting that dream program across the country… but not sure you’re ready for the big move? You can attend from your couch and keep your current job (and lease) if they offer an online program.
Online grad school opens up niche or specialized programs that may not exist locally. Want to pursue a top-ranked program in a very specific field? Distance learning could be your gateway.
You can study from home without giving up time with your family, pets, or personal pursuits. You can even design a study setup that supports your wellbeing—cue the diffuser, blackout curtains, and ergonomic chair.
No long walks across campus–or the city–, no lines at the coffee cart, no last-minute scrambles to find a parking spot before your seminar starts.
While there are certainly pros, there are cons to going with an online graduate program, too. Here’s what you need to know before signing up for a virtual program.
There’s no professor reminding you about deadlines. No peer pressure to finish that reading. You’re flying solo, which can feel empowering…or overwhelming. Strong organizational skills and drive (even when it gets tough) will be a must.
Some of the best networking magic happens with an elbow rub. But if you’re online? There are no hallway chats or spontaneous study groups.
But hey, digital networking is real—think online cohorts, LinkedIn groups, and Slack threads. Still, you’ll have to make the effort.
Some fields still need hands-on time (hello, chemistry labs, studio work, and clinical hours). If you’re in an area (or pursuing a field) where access to *a* campus or specialized setup is a must to complete coursework, you might find yourself searching for local resources… or missing out on invaluable learning opportunities.
While virtual office hours exist, building relationships with faculty may take more intentionality when you’re remote. There’s no simple “door knock” to chat or pop in to ask a question.
Kids, chores, pets, Netflix—it all competes with your productivity. Having a defined study space can make all the difference!
Pro tip: Make your home workspace somewhere you want to be. CORT can hook you up with a sleek desk, cozy chair, and lighting that makes your 10 p.m. study session feel a little more manageable.
Traditional on-campus programs are alive and thriving—and for good reason. If you’re the type who thrives with structure, real-time feedback, and face-to-face interaction, this format might be your vibe.
Formal structure, campus perks, and the opportunity to start fresh make in-person graduate school a smart choice for some students.
Classes have set times. You show up. You learn. You go home. For many students, this structure supports academic focus and time management.
Face-to-face time with professors and classmates is prime networking fuel. Office hours, group projects, chance hallway conversations—all of it helps build relationships that matter long beyond your graduate school years, and can be instrumental in getting you to where you want to be post-grad.
In-person students benefit from hands-on access. Libraries, labs, research facilities, coffee shops, mental health resources—you name it. There are definitely some pros to having that all-access on-campus pass. In-person students benefit from hands-on access.
Being in the classroom allows for real-time discussions, debates, and collaboration, which some learners find essential. Be sure to know your learning style and whether collaboration is key.
Been thinking of moving to a new city? This is your “new chapter” moment. New zip code, new community, new opportunities–and a new diploma, to boot!
When your living room isn’t also your classroom, it’s easier to draw the line between study and rest.
Living on or near campus? You might join campus clubs, attend networking events, or hang out with fellow students between classes. Grad school can be social, too! Plus–volunteer ops and participating in organizations can look dang good on a resume.
Yes, the crisp fall leaves and thrumming energy of an in-person campus can be positively invigorating. But there are some things that you’ll need to sacrifice, whether it’s cash or flexibility.
Between rent, tuition, transit, and takeout? Yeah, it adds up fast. Especially if you’re living in a major metro.
If you’ve got a full-time job or kids, strict class schedules can be tricky.
Are you opting to live in on-campus student housing? Shared spaces and communal living can make it hard to recharge after a long day.
Even off-campus apartment living situations can be a drawback. Whether you’re walking, driving, or taking the bus, travel takes up study and self-care time.
If you’re on campus all day and doing assignments all night, burnout can creep up quickly. Plus, there’s likely little room to have a traditional 9–5. Instead, you’ll have to look into freelance work in your field, go part-time, or find a side gig to get you through.
Looking at programs out of state–or even out of the country? Between school and moving, that’s a lot of logistics to juggle.
If you decide to go the distance, don’t fret about getting set up. CORT’s got your back with furniture you can rent, not rebuy or haul. Just show up—we’ll do the heavy lifting.
Hold up: online and in-person aren’t the only option. Hybrid programs give you a little bit of both. Online classes + occasional on-campus sessions = flexibility and community. These formats are perfect if you want the convenience of remote learning but still value hands-on labs, small group sessions, or building in-person relationships.
You’ll do most of your work remotely, then pop in a few times a semester for in-person intensives. If you’re not totally sold on either extreme, hybrid could be your sweet spot.
Academic bonus: Hybrid programs often still provide access to campus services like advising, research libraries, and networking events, without requiring you to live there full-time. How’s that for a win?
We get it. It’s a LOT of pros and cons to juggle.
If you’re still deciding, ask yourself…
Whether you’re team sweatpants-and-Zoom or team campus-classroom-and-coffee-cart, the important thing is choosing a path that works for your life right now.
Wherever you’re earning your degree, your space matters. It’s not just about looks—it’s about focus, comfort, and sanity. And CORT gets it.
CORT can help make the transition smoother, no matter where you learn. So go ahead—chase the degree, prep your study space, and set yourself up for success. Our student furniture packages have you covered whichever direction you go.
Whether you’re team sweatpants-and-Zoom or team campus-classroom-and-coffee-cart, the important thing is choosing a path that works for your life right now.
Find furniture packages that fit your life online or in-person at your local CORT Furniture Rental–and get ready to chase your dreams.
