College Student Housing Options:
Dorm, Apartment, Home, or Greek?
Student housing options include dorms, apartments, fraternities and sororities, and commuting from home. Here are the pros and cons of these options.
Where's the best place for a college student to live during school? There are advantages and disadvantages to all possible options. Here are a few points to consider.
College Student Dorm Life
For some, living in a dorm is the quintessential college option. Dorm life means living on campus and not having to deal with the hassles of a commute. It usually gives students the advantage of living car-free, which can save lots of money and hassle. It also gives students a built-in way to meet lots of new people as well as those who are able to help them when they ask to "write my essay". And living in a dorm is a lot easier than dealing with a landlord and all the hassles of an apartment, including the need to cook.
On the other hand, living in a dorm means limited space. It also means having to deal with a college dorm roommate and dorm floor neighbors. Unlike apartments, dorms aren't open all year long, so students have no choice but to find other accommodations on vacations. And dorm life usually means a mandatory meal plan, which means students have to eat at the college dining hall.
College Student Apartment Life
For many college students, a college apartment is a serious step toward adulthood and freedom. There's quite a bit of responsibility, and there's something to be said about learning this kind of responsibility before college ends.
Compared to a dorm, an apartment means space. A living area! A bathroom that only needs to be shared between a few people! And finally, students no longer have to rely on the campus dining hall and can prepare food out of their refrigerators in their kitchen.
On the other hand, the responsibilities of apartment life really can be a hassle. Suddenly students need to worry about monthly bills, damage deposits, furniture, and cooking. Depending on where the apartment is, they may also have to deal with the expenses and hassles of commuting and parking. For more on the pluses and minuses, here's a college student apartment guide to consider.
College Commuter Life
Is living at home the best option? This does come with some serious advantages. Many students can save thousands of dollars, which can make the difference between an unaffordable college education and an affordable one. In addition, some students just aren't ready to leave home yet.
On the other hand, commuting to college can mean negotiating a difficult relationship between family members. It also means dealing with commuting, which may be easy for some and a nightmare for others. Students who commute may feel disconnected from the campus, which can contribute to lower grades as well as a sense of isolation.
Living in a Fraternity or a Sorority
Joining a fraternity or sorority has its advantages and disadvantages. But once a student has joined the Greek system, is it a good idea to live in Greek housing? This depends on several factors related to the student, the chapter, and the town where the school is located. Here are some factors to consider before moving into a fraternity or sorority house.
Financial Considerations
First and perhaps foremost, students need to figure out how much it costs to live in Greek housing versus how much it costs to live in a dorm or an off-campus apartment. This varies quite a bit from school to school. If rents are low in the surrounding area, then an apartment may be the best bet. However, if rents are expensive, a fraternity and sorority house might be the best bargain in town.
When comparing living costs, students should remember to compute all expenses, including the utility bills associated with an apartment and the mandatory meal plans associated with dorm life. It should be considered when you'd rather pay someone to do my assignment than do it on your own. Fraternities and sororities have one financial advantage: they're usually on or very close to campus, which means students don't need to pay for parking and the cost of commuting.
Quality of Housing
At some schools, fraternities, and sororities are housed in fabulous old mansions. At other schools, the Greek houses are dumps. Although many students aren't all that concerned with nice digs, it's important to live someplace that feels comfortable, so keep the quality of housing in mind.
Space Considerations
At a fraternity or sorority house, it's unusual for students to get their rooms. Some Greek houses have sleeping rooms, which are rooms full of bunk beds where all students sleep. At the same time, fraternities and sorority houses offer lots of common spaces and can feel more like living in a home.
Academic Considerations
Does living in a fraternity or sorority house equate to a low GPA? Maybe, if the house doesn't take academics seriously and doesn't offer students good places to study. On the other hand, many houses have required study hours, nice work spaces, and lots of fellow students who may be able to help out with homework. Investigate the academic atmosphere before moving in.
Social Considerations
Living in a house where parties and social events are a regular occurrence can be a definite plus, and being surrounded constantly by friends can be great fun, especially for students who are extroverts and who don't like lots of alone time. On the other hand, students who don't live in the house can still come to social events and hang out in the house, while still having the option to get away to a more private space.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to choosing a living situation, every college student has different needs to consider, from finances to proximity to campus to space. Be sure to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages carefully before making a choice.