There’s never a better time to move away from home than as a college freshman. Living on campus – or even in student housing – enables you to meet lots of new people and immerse yourself in a new community. However, you might be feeling like there aren’t any available spaces.
Don’t fear! We know the college housing process can be mysterious, and many people don’t know what options are out there.
We’ve got the inside scoop. Keep reading for information on all the student housing options available to you as a freshman.
On-Campus Dormitories/Residence Halls
If you’re looking for student housing, one of your options is an on-campus dormitory or residence hall. On-campus dormitories and residence halls are a great choice for many college students because they are typically close to classrooms and other campus facilities.
On-campus housing also provides access to:
- academic support
- career counseling
- other resources offered on campus
Another nice perk is that on-campus dormitories tend to be equipped with amenities like cable TV, internet access, and laundry facilities. Social activities and programming are also offered which aids in helping students make lifelong connections with peers.
Off-Campus Apartments/Flats
Off-campus apartments/flats provide a great option for students since the rental rates are generally more affordable compared to on-campus housing. These kinds of properties are typically larger and offer better privacy than communal living on campus. Beyond this, there’s a variety of great student homes available online via reputable property management companies who cater specifically to students, so you can be sure that a property is right for you during your studies.
You should also look at the neighborhoods that the student apartments/flats are located in, as well as the amenities offered, such as:
- storage
- study spaces
- laundry
- bikes
Before signing a lease agreement, make sure you know the lease terms, rental costs, utilities, and other information. Finally, you should conduct a walk-through of the unit to make sure it meets your needs and that the housing is safe and secure. If you’ve decided to go apartment hunting, try to Reserve at Carrollton.
Shared Housing/Roommate Rental
Shared housing or a roommate rental is becoming increasingly popular as a student housing option. It essentially involves splitting the rental expenses of a single unit between two or more people. This is a great option for students looking to reduce the overall cost of rent.
It can also allow students to find compatible roommates, as you can often search listings and indicate your preferences. Additionally, shared housing offers chances for socialization and getting to know others who share similar interests.
With this housing option, students also have the flexibility to choose who they share a home with. This means that if you don’t get along with one another, you are free to find other suitable roommates.
Co-operative Housing
Cooperative housing is an option for student housing that offers a unique living experience. Cooperative housing allows students to live together in a home that they manage and maintain together as a group. This can be more economical than traditional housing because the cost of rent and bills is split between a larger group of tenants.
In addition to providing an affordable living option, cooperative housing provides an opportunity for students to increase their independence as they learn to work together to problem solve. This can be quite rewarding as members take leadership roles, divide up tasks, and learn how to push each other to be better members of the cooperative.
Know Your Options for Student Housing
Overall, there are a few great options for student housing. Students need to research all available options and understand the financial aid implications involved. Contact your school’s housing department to learn more about the different types of accommodations that are available.
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