How to Live Off-Campus in College

Living off-campus in college can be a great decision for so many reasons. Finding affordable housing can be a great alternative to dormitory life and boost your personal growth, school and life balance, and especially budget. While you won't have to share a big communal bathroom with a large number of peers, you may find that living off-campus in college can bring a few more challenges than you expected.

You may be an upperclassman looking to branch out from your safety net of years past or a brand new freshman who isn't too fond of the idea of spending thousands to bunk with a stranger. Either way, there are a few tips for college students living off-campus that you might find especially helpful as you navigate your brand new living situation.

1. Do Your Research

On-campus housing is often easier in terms of logistics. You don't have to think about the neighborhood, a cosigner for your lease or even what kinds of roommates you'll have. From bills to transportation, you have a lot more to think about when picking an off-campus living situation. Plus, while student loans and grants often cover housing on campus, that's not always the case when you venture off on your own.

Research the crime index, walkability and expenses in the areas you're looking to rent. Figure out your transportation route to school. Get to know where other off-campus students tend to live and look in those areas first.

2. Make a New Budget

You're entering the world of adulting — and adults have bills to pay. When you live on-campus, you don't have to think about utilities, renters insurance, groceries or even toilet paper. While getting your own place gives you more freedom, it also gives you more responsibility. Make sure you track your expenses and lay out your budget responsibly so you can focus more on your studies and less on the money stress.

3. Be Intentional About Your Campus Life

When you live off-campus, you spend less time at your school. While some people fear missing out on fundamental parts of the college experience, you don't need to live in the dorms to have a robust on-campus presence. Going to class and then holing up in your room won't help you get the social circle you're looking for, but you can be intentional about your time in college to make sure you're making the most of your experience.

Join clubs, societies and social groups that put you on campus often. Hang out in the library after class or study out on the quad when the weather is nice a few times a week. It might do more for your experience than you expect.

4. Give Yourself a Meal Plan

Adults don't get to swipe their IDs in the dining hall and have their food made for them every time they get hungry. Instead, your meals will be left to the grocery store and your own two hands. It can be way too easy to buy cereal and microwave burritos and call it a day, but that won't serve you in the long run.

Try some easy recipes and plan out your food for the week. If you're short on time, learn how to meal prep so you have healthy, affordable meals with less time spent in the kitchen. Make grocery lists and budget for your food.

5. Don't Let Household Chores Slip Away

You and the roomie(s) are probably not used to doing everything yourselves, and that's OK. However, letting the bathroom sit dirty for a month and never cleaning the kitchen doesn't make for a healthy living environment. Have honest discussions about the division of chores and the purchase of cleaning supplies when refills are needed. You can even make a chore chart so everything is laid out in writing.

6. Plan for Summer Right Away

If you love your college town or city and plan to stay all summer working or taking a few classes, then you're set. However, there's a good chance that you may have other plans for your summertime adventures. Even if you're not at your place, leases — and rent payments — don't stop at the end of the semester. Find someone to take on your apartment as a summer sublet while you're gone so you have a bit less to dish out in rent. It'll ensure your place is cared for and save you money.

Have An Independent College Experience

The dorm room life is surely not for everybody — not for everybody's wallet, comfort level, social battery and lifestyle. Sometimes, you need your own space. Off-campus housing teaches you independence so you can have the ideal college experience and prepare for the future.