Money, money, money

Another factor is price, and that’s going to be either a pro or a con for moving off-campus, depending on the individual school. 

Northeastern University charges a hefty price for its on-campus housing, and with the widespread availability of cheap apartments in the college town that is Boston, I am saving money by living off-campus. On the flip side, my brother goes to school in a rather ritzy Boston suburb where real estate is expensive and student apartments just aren’t a thing. 

Ask friends or classmates who have moved off-campus to see how it works out financially in your area. And always remember that there maybe be utility expenses in addition to the advertised rent.

Tips for Transitioning to Off-Campus Living

There’s no one answer to this question of where to live. Some people live in dorms for their whole college career and love it, and some people move off campus as soon as they can. A year later, I am still loving my choice to rent an off-campus apartment, but it’s important to be informed before you make such a big leap. 

If you do decide you’re ready for an apartment, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Popular websites like Trulia and Zillow can be good starting spots, but make sure to check out area-specific Facebook housing pages. This is particularly good if you’re hunting for a sublet, but can also be a great starting place for finding apartments or potential roommates.

• Keep an eye out for off-campus information sessions which your school or student organizations maybe be hosting. They can give you the area-specific information you’ll need.

• A realtor is expensive, but going through one does simplify things. That’s what I did when finding my first apartment. As I’m sure you’ve learned from this article, the process is a little cumbersome, and having a guide was worth the money since none of my roommates or I knew what we were doing. Plus, in our area, as in many places, a one-month’s rent fee is pretty standard when you get an apartment, so if you don’t pay it to a realtor, you’re going to be paying it anyway. Ask around to learn what’s standard in your area and what other students have done. If you can save money and skip the realtor, go forth and do it, but know that they can make your life easier as you begin navigating apartment life.

It’s a lot to take in, but no matter what you choose, you can make the place you live meet your needs. All you need is to be creative and flexible.