So if you’re planning your escape from the dorms, let me give you a few pieces of advice on the journey ahead (to those of you still wondering if it’s worth it: Off-campus living in college is really cool!🤠).
From learning how to communicate with your roommates about having parties, to understanding the ins and outs of parking regulations, there’s a lot that goes into successfully navigating life off campus.
To help you make a smooth transition, I’ve put together this beginner’s guide to navigating life away from the dorms.
My first experience living off-campus in college was a rollercoaster of emotions!
As someone who had always lived on campus in college, living off-campus my senior year was a totally new experience that I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.
After the initial excitement of having my own space and decorating it as I pleased passed, reality quickly set in. I had to figure out how to budget for rent, groceries, and other things that came with living independently. It was like a crash course in adulting!
Thankfully, I survived my first foray into off-campus life and I now have a few tips to share with you guys if you are considering Off-Campus Living. Here are the 11 things you need to consider before taking the plunge!
Related: Living On Campus vs Living Off-campus – Pros and Cons
A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating Life Away From the Dorms
1. Choose your location carefully!
When it comes to off-campus living, location is key. You don’t want to end up living in a neighborhood that’s too far from your university or in the middle of a bustling nightlife if you’re someone who values peace and quiet.
I’d recommend choosing an area that’s close to your campus but still has its own unique charm. And make sure to check out any nearby parks, cafes, and shops so you can get a feel for what it’s like during the day and night. That way, you can make sure that it’s an area that really fits your lifestyle.
Just keep these tips in mind when you’re choosing your off-campus location:
- Figure out how close you want to be to your university
- Think about the kind of area you want to live in (peaceful/lively)
- Check out the neighborhood during the day and night
- Research nearby parks, cafes, and shops
- Talk to current students or alumni who have lived in the area
- See if there are any community events or activities you can join
- Use online resources and ratings to get more information
By taking the time to do your research, you can find a neighborhood that is perfect for your budget and lifestyle!
2. Did you think about parking? : Living Off-campus in College
If you’re planning to live off campus, be sure to factor in the convenience of parking.
Depending on where you live, street parking may be hard to come by or even nonexistent. So make sure to take a look at the rules and regulations for parking in your area before you sign a lease.
For example, is it necessary to obtain a parking permit? Are there any restrictions on when you can park or how long you can stay in your spot?
Knowing these answers ahead of time can help you avoid any parking headaches down the line.
3. How close is the grocery store?
When you live off campus in college, there’s nothing quite like having the freedom to choose where and what you eat. From cozy cafes to all-you-can-eat buffets, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you get to save on those pesky cafeteria prices!
But before you start to sample the local food scene, make sure to check what kind of stores and restaurants you have near your neighborhood.
Are there any grocery stores or eateries(super formal word for restaurants) within walking distance? And if not, do you have access to public transportation that can get you there?
If you live in an area without any stores or restaurants, it would be a good idea to get ingredients before moving. That way, you can cook meals at home instead of eating out every night–which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Planning ahead by knowing your cooking and shopping options is always the best route.
Meal planning shopping list + Tracker.pdf printables
If you want to manage your time more effectively and improve your grades, you’re in the right place. College is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and new opportunities. With all these changes and adjustments, what better way to keep up with your college lifestyle and academic progress than using this list of 37 free printables for college students?
4. Renters Insurance: Living off-campus in College
Another important thing to consider when living off campus is renter’s insurance. This type of insurance covers both you and your belongings in the event of a disaster such as a fire. It also protects you from liability in the event that someone is injured on your property.
Renter’s insurance is often more affordable than you’d think and can save you from a lot of headaches down the line. So, make sure to shop around for different policies and find one that fits your budget and needs.
5. Did you consider the Expenses that come with living off campus?
When living off-campus in college, it’s important to remember that there are more expenses than just rent. Utilities, like gas and electricity, can quickly add up if you’re not careful. And having a car handy might be convenient, but don’t forget about the costs of fuel and insurance. Even small things such as toiletries and laundry can add up over time.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. When you have an idea of what your expenses will be, you can be sure that you’re prepared for any unexpected costs down the line.
With a bit of thoughtful planning and smart money management, off-campus living can definitely be a rewarding experience.
Related: How to Budget as a College Student: The Basics You Need to Know
Here are some helpful tips for saving money and managing expenses when living in an off-campus apartment:
- Research the area beforehand to know what kind of expenses you’ll be facing when living off campus.
- Set a budget and make sure to stick to it.
- Look for ways to save money when shopping for groceries or other items.
- Be mindful of your utility usage, since you’re now responsible for paying them.
- Set aside some money in case of emergency expenses.
- Explore your transportation options and opt for the most economical one.
- Remember to factor in small expenses like toiletries and laundry when budgeting.
- Take advantage of student discounts when available.
6. Buying Furniture + Appliances and a million other things
If you’re moving into an off-campus apartment, odds are it won’t be coming with much furniture or appliances.
This means that you’ll need to buy or rent what you need in order to make your space feel livable. Before shopping, decide on a budget and stick to it.
Look for deals and discounts at local stores, as well as opportunities to rent furniture instead of buying it. Also, remember that secondhand stores are great sources for finding affordable furniture and appliances.
Once you’ve stocked up on the essentials, you can then start to add some personal touches to your new place. Whether that means picking out a few home décor pieces or stocking up on kitchenware, Make it feel like YOUR space by filling it with things that make YOU happy and comfortable.
Having a plan and knowing where to look for good deals is key when you are furnishing your apartment. Enjoy the process!
Related: 10 Online Marketplaces to Help Make College Life Easier (and More Affordable!)
Click here to Download the off-campus checklist.pdf for free.
7. Is your owner okay with your pet?
It’s always a good idea to check with your landlord before bringing any pets into your off-campus apartment.
Not all owners are okay with animals, and some may even have restrictions on the type of pet you can keep. Find out if your landlord has any breed or size limitations, as well as any other pet-related restrictions. Additionally, be sure to inquire about additional fees or deposits that might be required when having a pet in your apartment.
It’s also important to remember that having a pet can come with added responsibilities. Just make sure that you have the time and energy to take care of your pet and provide it with a happy and healthy life.
8. Hosting parties and inviting guests..!
Living off campus means that, unlike dorms, you will have more freedom when it comes to hosting parties and having guests over. But with that freedom also comes responsibility.
It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in order to avoid any issues with your landlord or roommates. Make sure that you’re aware of the rules and regulations set by the apartment complex, such as noise levels and occupancy limits.
It’s also important to communicate well with your roommates when it comes to hosting parties. Decide on a plan that works best for everyone and respect each other’s boundaries.
You may also want to create a set of house rules or an agreement that outlines what is expected from everyone when it comes to cleaning, noise levels, guests, etc. And don’t forget about being considerate of your neighbors!
9. Things to consider when signing the lease
It’s important to carefully read through your lease before signing anything. Make sure you understand all the terms so that you don’t end up with any surprises down the line.
Things like the duration of the lease, rent amount, security deposit, and pet rules are all crucial details that need to be considered. Besides making sure you can cover rent, it’s important to know if there are any extra fees like maintenance or repairs. Ask yourself if the price is worth it and double-check to see what amenities are included in your rent.
Finally, think about whether or not you’d be comfortable renewing your lease at the end of each year. If not, ask yourself if you’re willing to face the costs of breaking the lease and moving elsewhere.
10. Join an Off-Campus living Student Group
When living off-campus in college, it’s important to join a student group (Online Facebook groups are a thing!). Not only will this give you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but it will also provide a great support system as you navigate this new lifestyle.
The group may also have events, such as potluck dinners or movie nights, that are fun and provide a great way to get to know other off-campus students.
Plus, joining the group will allow you access to resources like job postings or free items for sale. It’s a great way to stay connected and make the most of your off-campus adventure. It will be well worth it in the end.
There are many great benefits to living off-campus during your college years, and with the right mindset, you can make it an incredible journey!
So don’t be afraid to take the plunge — just make sure you pack your common sense, independence, wallet, and a good attitude.
With those four things, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your off-campus living experience a success!
“Living off-campus? No problem. Just make sure you pack your common sense, independence, wallet, and a good attitude.
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