When you go to college, it usually means that you may have to go to an institution that will warrant you to seek accomodation outside your home and in or near the college premises. There are two kinds of college accomodations: there are on-college and off-college accomodations. On-college accomodations refer to dorm rooms in the college building itself. On the other hand, off-college accomodations basically mean board and lodging in a place that is not exactly within the college premises but is located just nearby.
Speaking of off-college accomodations, these can be fun because you usually don’t have to bother with strict headmasters or headmistresses and curfews. However, the fun sometimes stops there.
Why Off-College Accomodations Are Cool
Aside from the fact that you don’t have to deal with curfews or cranky headmasters, off-college accomodations are often more quiet and peaceful, unless of course you choose one that is in a busy location. With off-college accomodations, you also usually get to have more space for yourself, more quality “alone” time in your own pad, and you get to choose if you want to have a room mate or not. In other words, with off-college accomodations, you get to hold the cards.
Why Off-College Accomodations Can Be a Turn Off
While you definitely have more freedom in off-college accomodations, it can basically be a concession to the idea that freedom entails more responsibility. One major consideration when it comes to off-college accomodations is the expenses. Living in an off-college accomodation naturally costs more because aside from the rent, you also have bills to pay, such as water, electricity, and phone bills, if you have a phone line connected to your dorm. Add to that your costs for transportation, food, and school supplies, which you deal with everyday while you are in college.
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Because college tuition can be very costly, college housing should be inexpensive so that you’ll be able to handle your finances better. Spending much on accommodations when studying can be an extra burden for your or your parents considering the purpose of your going to college is to study. So, to help you save money, below are several options for your college housing.
Option 1 – Live with a relative.
Living with a relative whose home is near your university offers several advantages. One is you will feel safe living with someone who belongs in your family. Another is you will share everyday expenses with your relative, allowing you to save on cash. Third is you can depend on someone to alternately do chores with you.
Option 2 – Use the services of your college dormitory.
In dormitories, you share big rooms with two to five roommates and are provided daily meals and services for a minimal fee. But a disadvantage in living in dormitories is the implementation of various rules like a 10 pm curfew and a friends-stay-in-the-living-room policy. Another disadvantage is you will share rooms with students you might not be comfortable with. Nevertheless, dormitories are often near universities or within colleges and universities, allowing you to save on transportation costs.
Option 3 – Share an apartment with a friend.
Offering more freedom and privacy, apartments can be shared with friends. While their costs are slightly higher than that of dormitories, apartments are a better option for you if you are a working student. When you live in apartments, you set your own rules, split rent and chores with one or more friends, and prepare the meals you like.
Option 4 – Just stay home.
This fourth option is the most practical of all, especially if living elsewhere will just make you spend more. Many college students wisely choose to live at home where they have less concerns to think of. At home, you will feel safest and you won’t have to spend for electricity, food, and rent.
As you look for college housing, remember to prioritize your study time other than the money you’ll save. The home you’ll choose should be near enough to the university you’re attending. That way, you will have more hours to study and be relieved of transportation stress every day.
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