The Iglu Guide | Blog
On campus living vs Off-campus living: What’s your best student accommodation option?
Heading off to university is an exciting moment of change for all students. It’s when you make the transition from dependency to maturity, and begin to make independent living choices . But when it comes to choosing the best type of student accommodation, many students struggle to decide which option will suit them best – and the debate goes on and on. The truth is, there’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution because it actually depends on the type of person you are and the student experience you want to create. When you’re choosing between on campus living and off campus living, it’s important to consider all aspects before making a final decision. If you’re still undecided on what type of student accommodation suits you, here’s the competitive lowdown to help you make that choice:
Off campus student accommodation
Off-campus accommodation refers to any type of student accommodation that is not located within the university campus. It is usually either an independent rental, or purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) .
Off campus living pros
- Choosing off campus living is your first opportunity to make a truly independent choice about where you live.
- You get to pick what you actually live in – that might be a share apartment or a private studio. You might choose single sex or mixed gender – it’s totally up to you!
- Off campus student accommodation takes you out the bubble of campus living and enables you to explore your new surrounds beyond the classic student environment, whilst always retaining your connection to campus.
- You get to live with students from other universities and year groups – the diversity makes it more interesting as well as providing great networking opportunities.
- Choosing an independent rental means you can handpick your own housemates – and you get to make the house rules.
- Off campus living means you’re likely to benefit from more space – and won’t have to share a room unless you want to.
- Privacy is a genuine option with off campus living – you might have your own apartment, or work in private study areas. You don’t have to share anything that you don’t want to!
- You might live in off campus student accommodation, but you can still take advantage of everything that is offered on university campus.
- You have the benefit of separation and choice that’s completely on your own terms
- Living independently from university can actually make life easier, such as if you have an off-campus job
- Certain types of off campus living options are the perfect compromise for new students, such as purpose-built student accommodation. They strike the balance between feeling protected and independent living.
- Safety and security are top priorities in purpose-built student accommodation, with 24/7 help available when needed.
- The rapid rise of PBSA makes off campus student living the perfect solution at any time. There are a huge range of amenities included in one easy bill, with no unexpected surprises at the end. It’s the ideal stepping stone into independent adult life.
Off campus living cons
- Independent off campus student accommodation such as student rentals may not be as well located, which means it’s further to travel in and out of university.
- Unless you’re living in PBSA, the property is unlikely to be very modern and unlikely to have any private bathroom facilities.
- Off campus accommodation that’s close to university and more convenient will be significantly more expensive.
- To reduce costs, you may end up living further away from friends and university life, which can impact and limit your interactions.
- Transport costs will be more expensive if your student accommodation is off campus and involves travel.
- Consider the safety of travel late at night when thinking about locations for off campus living.
- Independent rental accommodation comes with the complications of house sharing, such as managing a lease and sharing household bills.
- You may need to make specific efforts to attend campus activities to stay connected with your cohort.
- Landlords don’t usually show any greater flexibility to students. Keeping on top of the finances can add an additional layer of stress.
On campus student accommodation
On-campus accommodation refers to the student accommodation that universities provide. It can come in different forms such as colleges, halls of residence or dormitories. It’s usually located within the university campus or very close by.
On campus living pros
- If this is your first time living away from home, on campus accommodation is a reassuring option that has a structure in place and a comfortable setting.
- Most on campus accommodation will have good security features to keep students safe at all times.
- There is usually one fixed fee that includes food, Wi-Fi, electricity, water and gas.
- Some on campus living options are fully or partly catered which takes some pressure away.
- On campus living is at the heart of the university bubble and there is a strong sense of community and support around at all times.
- It’s a fun and super-social experience, giving you the opportunity to mix in with thousands of other students that all share a common bond.
- You’ll get to meet a roommate, or two or three! But if anyone leaves, it’s not your responsibility to fill the gap.
- Campus life is busy – there’s always something going on to keep you distracted and entertained!
- The location is unbeatable – on campus living means students are always close to lectures, tutorials and university events – you definitely won’t need a car to get around.
- Avoiding transport costs can save money.
- On campus accommodation options are usually fully furnished – just bring your clothes and you’re set to go.
- Faculty staff are always located close by and are on hand to help when you need them.
- You’ll have excellent access to all university resources with on campus student accommodation.
On campus living cons
- On campus student accommodation can be expensive, and more than you have budgeted for, particularly if it is fully catered.
- It is likely that you have to move rooms every year.
- On campus living usually separates students by gender, and tends to house you with your year group which reduces the diversity.
- You’re always surrounded by students from your college which some students may find overwhelming and possibly stifling.
- Traditionally a fairly noisy environment, on campus living can be a distraction and better suits students with a high level of self-discipline.
- There are fixed rules within on campus living accommodation.
- Some on campus student accommodation options only provide shared bathroom facilities with mixed genders, an aspect that doesn’t suit all students.
- Dorm life is not ideal for those who value privacy or space.
- You have no control over your roommate with on campus living – and you’ll have to tolerate their behaviours, whatever they might be.
- It’s impossible to control the amount of people you’re sharing social spaces with – and keeping common areas clean is a challenge.
- On campus catered accommodation is not for everyone. The cooking is not always great, and it costs money to miss meals you’ve already paid for.
Still undecided? Find out more about what type of student accommodation suits you and what all-inclusive student accommodation actually means.
