4 off-campus housing options for college students

College is both a scary, and exciting experience, for many students who will be away from home for the first time. And while you have a lot to look forward to, you also need to think about things like tuition, buying textbooks, school supplies, and more importantly, housing!

Living on-campus can be beneficial to some students. One of the advantages is not having to commute to and from campus. Commuting can be tiring, especially If your schedule calls for you to be on campus daily. New students may also appreciate how easily you can make friends in resident halls, as well as being able to engage in student activities and other school events. On the other hand, on-campus housing is typically more expensive than off-campus options. There is also a lack of privacy, and all students living on-campus must strictly abide by school policies.

For these reasons, if you decide on-campus housing is not for you, these off-campus housing options are available for freshmen, juniors, sophomores, and even seniors!

Living with parents/ other family members

While this may not be the most popular choice, it is a great way to save money. Many family members, especially parents, will allow their children to continue living at home rent-free, so they can focus on their studies. If they do require you to chip in; they may ask for a couple hundred dollars towards rent, or suggest you contribute by paying a bill or two. Either way, choosing to live with parents or extended family, will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a month.

Living with your family makes it easier to save towards eventually getting your own apartment. Those who are in no rush to move out, they will be able to buy things like books, school supplies, and other necessary items, without constantly having to stress about money.

Renting With Roommates

Another alternative to living with your parents is living with roommates. Many times, schools have dedicated off-campus housing, usually filled with other students. Units are usually close to the school, making commuting easy.

You can also venture out on your own to find an apartment. Using apartment-finding websites like StreetEasy, help search for places that are within your budget. If you’re living with roommates, make sure you put in the effort to find individuals that will make for the most compatible living situation. The last thing you want to do is rush the decision, and end up living with people you don’t get along with.

If you’re having trouble finding housing that suits your needs, you can always use a real estate agent. Real estate agents know the market best, so let them know your expectations as well as your budget, and they will be able to assist you further. Keep in mind, that if you do use a realtor, you’ll be required to pay a broker's fee.

Living with roommates is ideal for college students, as it’s much cheaper than living in a studio or one-bedroom. Not only do you get to save money, but you also have people to share housework with, be able to study together, or just hang out with! If you’re a person who prefers the company of others but doesn’t want to live on campus, look into getting a shared apartment (preferably with other college students).

Living Alone

Moving into a studio or one-bedroom apartment by yourself is a big step. However, for some individuals, it may be the best option. If you get easily distracted by others and enjoy spending time alone, on-campus housing or shared living may not be the best decision.

Be aware, living alone is expensive, so make sure you have enough money saved up. If you’re lucky, maybe your parents agreed to get you your first apartment. Either way, ensure your finances are in order.

The benefits of living alone include being able to control your own space, not having to be responsible for cleaning up after others, having peace and quiet when you need it, a distraction-free environment, being able to decorate and furnish however you want, etc.

Co-Living

As a college student, co-living could be perfect for you!

Co-living is a form of shared living, that offers fully furnished units, amenities included (even wifi), flexible leasing, and are all conveniently located.

This is a great option for college students for multiple reasons:

• College students usually aren’t able to fully furnish their apartments due to a lack of funds.

• College semesters only last a couple of months, therefore flexible leasing allows students to pay rent only for the months they are in school (if preferred). Especially for international students who may want to go back home for summer and winter breaks. For those who wish to extend their lease, they can.

• Amenities are included in the price of rent, cutting down on costs.

• A fast internet connection is crucial for doing research projects, assignments and essays (wifi is included)

• Monthly cleaning is incorporated into the price of rent (but only for shared spaces, like the living room, kitchen, bathrooms etc)

• All applications include a background check, and the company works with you directly to ensure chosen roommates suit you best!

If you’re a college student looking for NYC coliving housing, check out Roomrs to take advantage of all the perks listed above!