College living arrangements can be very frustrating for many students. College dormitories are small but convenient and expensive, but generally offer a high degree of security. Off-campus housing may be less expensive, but it may not be readily available or accessible to some students. Consider these options to help make your decision easier.
So what’s a college student to do? If you are a freshman, your options may be limited by the university. Most colleges will not allow freshmen to live off campus for their first year and this is probably a good thing for most freshmen. After your first year, you can usually arrange to live anywhere you choose.
Over the years that my children have been in college, I have found that the costs associated with off-campus housing can be 35% to 50% less than the cost of dormitory housing. That savings only includes rent and utilities, and the home will generally be available during the holidays and may be open for the full 12 months, not just the 10 months of the school year.
Resident Assistant:
Another cost-saving opportunity is to become a resident assistant (RA). This can be a good way to get your room and board paid for in exchange for your services of supervising a wing or dormitory floor. These positions are often in demand and the competition can be tough. They also involve some training, a lot of time and effort, and you must possess good social and administrative skills.
If you’re interested, make sure you keep your grades up and get involved in lots of campus activities your freshman year. Also be sure to apply directly with your university’s residential life department, usually in the middle of your second semester of your freshman year.
Work Exchange:
Work in exchange for room and board is another option for some students. Usually there are families living close to the campus where both spouses work. They may need someone to watch their children before or after school and help with cooking, cleaning, or other household chores in exchange for room and board.
Another option on some campuses is university staff or faculty with younger children. They may offer a select student room and board for light help or possibly some help with correcting papers. These can be nice arrangements, but be careful to do a proper assessment before accepting any of these positions.
Off-Campus Housing:
Off-campus housing near most college campuses can save money if you’re organized and prepared to handle the extra effort of paying monthly utility bills and rent. You should also be sure to read the fine print about when the premises must be vacated after the semester ends. It is generally recommended that you add a minimum of two housemates to handle finances and bank account just to keep checks and balances in place.
If you are considering living off campus, be sure to contact the landlord as soon as possible and arrange to view the premises and sign a lease in advance. I have seen many of these living arrangements that need to be finalized up to six months (or more) in advance. Possibly before the Christmas holidays for the following fall semester. Once you have a group of students who want to live together off campus, you need to start looking and making a decision. If you procrastinate, you’ll probably stay in the dorms for another year.
Summary: If money is tight and you are comfortable with any of the above options, you should be able to find ways to cut costs by making other living arrangements. Each of these options will take some effort, but could save you thousands each year.