While living on campus during the school year is convenient, it may not be the most cost effective. Off-campus housing often has much more to offer than a small dorm. Below is a list of amenities to look for when looking for apartments that are right outside the college you plan to attend.
Furniture
Is the apartment for rent fully furnished? Since the dorms come with beds and dressers, you need to factor the furniture into the rental price to see if it’s worth living off campus. Fortunately, many apartment buildings surrounding college campuses realize this fact and offer everything from beds to coffee tables. If you’re lucky, you might even find one with cutlery and utensils.
kitchens
In addition to a furnished apartment, you’ll want to look for a place that has a kitchen. Since you will be farther away from the school and its cafeteria, you will have to cook most of your meals at home. Of course, preparing meals and snacks in your apartment is much more cost-effective than eating out every day, even at a college food court.
Utilities included
When you arrange to live in a dorm, you get the use of the room and all the utilities associated with it for a price. Off-campus housing may or may not provide you with a monthly quote that includes utilities. Be sure to inquire about this so you can get an accurate comparison of the total price of a bedroom versus a nearby apartment. Also keep in mind that it will be easier for a college student to pay one bill, versus three or four.
Wireless Internet Service
Does the apartment complex offer wireless internet service for its residents or does it have a cafeteria where internet can be accessed for free? Maybe there’s a shared lobby where young adults can sit with a laptop and connect. College students benefit from free internet by being able to research for academic papers, check their student accounts, and send emails home to communicate with family and friends.
Gym
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is the best way to stay healthy and alert, so be on the lookout for an apartment building that has its own gym for residents to use regularly. After you find one, find out what hours the facility will be open. Will this schedule be frozen with your class schedule? Also, you will want to know what equipment is present in the gym. Are there weights? Do you have mats to stretch? Will you be able to choose between a treadmill and an elliptical bike for your cardiovascular exercises? Maybe they have a pool for a workout that’s easy on the joints.
The more amenities the off-campus housing facility offers, the fewer trips you’ll have to make to get things like meals, exercise, and class research. Once you find the right place at the right price, you can start your college career with a positive outlook.