Grad school is a big leap and one well-earned. If you’re about to embark on this journey, congratulations! Now that you’ve chosen a school and accepted their admissions offer, it’s time to hammer out the logistics of life as a student.
Besides planning your class schedule and figuring out if you should keep your full-time job, you will also need to find a place to live — especially if you’re moving out-of-state or internationally! If you’re currently trying to figure out whether to live on- or off-campus while in graduate school, consider the pros and cons of each housing type below.
The Pros and Cons of Living On Campus
Are you intrigued about living on campus? Co-ops, resident halls, and even university apartments all fit within this convenient category. Here are some pros and cons that are often associated with these on-campus options.
Pros: Walkability and Social Life
On-campus housing is definitely worth considering, especially if it comes to you at a lower cost. The potential opportunity to save on rent takes the cake as far as pros go; however, the list of plus sides doesn’t stop there! Living on campus can cut down your commute time, allowing you to be near your classes. Besides, it can help you build a close-knit community. By having classmates nearby, you’ll be able to create a sense of fellowship almost instantaneously.
Cons: University-Imposed Restrictions and Freshman Mentality
If you’re straight out of your undergraduate studies, there’s a good chance that you’re over living on campus. Choosing to live on campus means being fully immersed in the college experience at all times — frat parties and RAs included.
You’ll likely face living restrictions and guidelines created by your university. If you’re someone who prefers to keep their personal life and studies separate, an off-campus arrangement will suit you best.
The Pros and Cons of Living Off-Campus
Off-campus housing includes a variety of different picks. Depending on where you choose to study, it’s usually pretty easy to find rental homes or apartments near campus. Furthermore, living with family is the cheapest option for those who are able. Before you decide, check out these helpful pros and cons.
Pros: Choices and Freedoms
Unlike dorms, off-campus housing options are typically privately owned and operated — meaning there won’t be an RA present to regulate your behavior. Additionally, off-campus housing comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price points — from townhomes to studio apartments. Lastly, most off-campus housing will offer you more privacy and exposure to non-student contacts than on-campus alternatives.
Cons: Limited Access to University Conveniences
Although some may enjoy the factor of choice that off-campus living brings, this element can be overwhelming to others. When you live off-campus, you will likely lose the convenience of walking to class or other campus facilities such as stadiums and fitness centers. Additionally, unless you purchase one separately, you will no longer have access to student meal plans — which can be an affordable and nutritious option when you’re on a budget. Lastly, you are likely to move out of campus police’s jurisdiction, resulting in fewer patrols and longer emergency response times.
Furnish Your Space with CORT
Choosing where to live is especially tricky as a grad student. You’ll want to find a place that allows you to plant roots, get settled, and eventually pack up and move on. This makes the idea of furnishing your home-away-from-home especially difficult! Luckily, CORT has the perfect solution to this post-undergrad predicament.
CORT Furniture Rental’s student packages are tailor-made for off-campus apartments for college students. CORT Furniture Rental gives customers the option to rent the right amount of furniture for as little or as long as they’d like! CORT’s student packages include combinations of cohesive pieces made in versatile styles. These packages are entirely customizable, making it fun, easy, and affordable to furnish your new space.
