Grad school is more than just the next academic chapter—it’s a lifestyle transformation. Whether you’re crossing state lines or moving an hour or two away, your first major decision will likely be where to live: on-campus housing or off-campus housing?
There’s no universal right answer. Your ideal choice depends on your budget (and whether or not you’re getting a stipend), academic demands, social preferences, and how much separation you want between school and personal life.
We’ll walk you through some grad student living options—with a breakdown of costs, lifestyle perks, and how to set up your space, especially if you’re renting as a student and need fast, flexible furniture solutions.
Graduate students are a diverse group. Many are in their 30s, 40s, or even 60s, and a significant portion are international students. Older students may prefer off-campus housing for privacy and independence, while younger students might prioritize community.
First, let’s talk money. Graduate school comes with financial trade-offs, and university housing costs are often at the top of the list. Understanding what’s included in each type of student housing can help you make a smart, budget-conscious decision.
Most on-campus housing for graduate students includes bundled utilities and, typically, access to campus meal plans. This setup may leave you with extremely limited space (and sharing it with someone else!), but it offers cost stability, which is helpful if you’re managing a tight budget and need to be able to track your dollars down to the teeth.
Move-in is usually simple, especially if you’re coming from out of town or abroad. However, housing shortages at many universities make single rooms hard to secure, and missing deadlines can result in less desirable assignments.
Depending on your city and the rental market, off-campus housing can be more affordable, especially if you share a place with roommates. You’ll also have more say over the layout, furnishings, and lease terms. These are, of course, just some of the benefits of off-campus housing that attract many grad students looking to balance school with life outside the classroom.
However, you may have fluctuating utility costs, particularly if you’re living in an older space or where temperatures hit extremes, whether hot or cold.
It truly depends upon your situation, where your school is located, and whether or not your scholarship or stipend has built-in funding for on-campus or off-campus. It’s best to explore your options, but also weigh your comfort.
However, you may face fluctuating utility costs, hidden expenses, and scams when searching through non-university platforms. Always verify listings and consider using school-affiliated portals or student Facebook groups.
Beyond the financial piece, you’re going to have to think about lifestyle. And if you think dorm life is just for undergrads? Think again. Many schools now offer designated student apartments or graduate-focused on-campus housing that cater to quieter, more academic-friendly environments. From the pros to the cons, here’s what to know about living on campus as a grad student.
Living on campus has its upsides. Here’s what might make it the right choice for you.
Living on campus gives you fast access to your classes, research labs, study spaces, and campus perks like the fitness center or mental health resources. If time is tight, this convenience can be tough to beat.
Graduate on-campus housing often comes fully furnished with utilities and internet already in place. You won’t have to worry about setting up accounts or managing repairs, freeing you to focus on school.
Many universities group graduate students into specialized student housing communities. This structure makes it easy to form study groups or build friendships with peers who understand your academic pressures.
Whether it’s your bedroom, common living room, or down-the-hall bathrooms, you might find that living on campus isn’t exactly conducive to privacy. If you’re someone who needs to be solo to focus and loves your peace and quiet, even graduate-only housing might not be for you… especially if you’re used to living off campus.
Living on campus comes with its own set of super-strict rental rules. You could be held to university rules about guests, alcohol, quiet hours, or even simply how you want to decorate your space. Have a dog or a cat? It’s most likely a no-go. Add in a roommate, and that’s a lot of rules to juggle.
If you’re on campus 24/7, you might find it hard to separate your academic self from your “I’m ready to chill” self. If you’re looking to strike a balance between work and play, finding an off-campus graduate student apartment may be a better fit.
For many grad students, off-campus housing offers a welcome mental and physical break from academic life. Whether you’re renting a sleek downtown studio, sharing a house near campus, or living with family, student apartments outside university grounds can offer more control. But, there are some possible cons to consider, too. We’ll break them down.
Ah, freedom. If you’re used to doing things your way, there’s a lot to love about being in your own space.
Living off-campus means no RAs, curfews, or shared bathrooms with total strangers—just the freedom to make your own schedule and lifestyle choices.
You’ll find options ranging from minimalist studios to large townhomes to suburban dwellings that are fit for your family.
You can also choose between furnished and unfurnished rentals, depending on what works for your timeline and budget. But–don’t forget, with CORT, you can turn any unfurnished space into a furnished one in a flash!
One of the biggest benefits of off-campus housing is the ability to draw a clear line between your academic and personal life. This balance is especially helpful if you’re managing a part-time job or family responsibilities, or you’re not looking to get into campus nightlife.
Even good things have their downsides. Before you make the call to live on or off campus, consider the cons, too.
Off-campus living comes with more to manage—setting up utilities, coordinating with landlords, and handling repairs. It’s empowering, but it requires some additional time and organization.
Unless you’re within walking distance, you’ll need to plan your daily commute. Whether you drive, bike, or use public transit, this extra step can influence your day-to-day schedule.
Graduate school is often described as a “whole different world.” Burnout, anxiety, and depression are common. Having a living space that supports your mental well-being—whether that means privacy, community, or a clear boundary between work and rest—is essential.
Whatever you choose, make sure your space sets you up for academic success and personal well-being. And if you’re planning an off-campus move, let CORT Furniture Rental help make your new place feel like home, without the stress of furnishing it yourself.
Between class schedules, research, and settling into your new life, figuring out what to get or moving furniture can be overwhelming. That’s why furniture rental often makes sense for students looking to maximize their comfort and their experience.
CORT offers flexible, budget-friendly furnishing solutions ideal for renting as a student. Whether you need a full apartment setup or just a few essentials like a bed and desk, CORT makes it simple to get everything delivered and ready to go fast. Explore our options, including Student Packages starting at just $139, online or in-store at your local CORT Furniture Rental today.
