On-Campus Vs. Off-Campus Housing

There are obvious similarities and differences between living on campus and living off campus. They both have their perks and drawbacks. But they also offer a certain level of freedom and independence for college students. While on-campus living is required and best for new students, off-campus living can be beneficial for upperclassmen. Unfortunately, however, it can be nearly impossible to choose between the two. If you’re not sure which is best for you, just weight the pros and cons of each.

Pros and Cons of Living Off Campus

Off-campus housing isn’t for everyone. But it can serve as an introduction to adulthood and offer more freedom than on-campus accommodations. However, the benefits of living off campus don’t end there. Off-campus apartments also offer:

· More space and privacy

· More freedom and less rules

· Private kitchens and bathrooms

· A greater variety of amenities

· Less noise

· The ability to have overnight guests as often as you like

· The opportunity to choose your own roommate(s)

· No curfew

While its benefits make off-campus living the preferred choice for college students, it also has some drawbacks. For instance:

· Some off-campus housing is too far away from the university and important student resources

· Acquiring more responsibility and expenses can be jarring and difficult to adjust to

· Depending on the length, a longer commute to school can become expensive and exhausting, affecting academic performance and class attendance

· Living off campus can make it difficult or impossible to socialize with other students

· It can be more expensive than living on campus

No matter the drawbacks, however, living off campus, especially in one of the Hamilton rental apartments offered by West Village Suites, can be fun, convenient, and affordable.  

Pros and Cons of Living On Campus

On-campus living offers convenience and ease, which is especially great for first-year students who aren’t prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood. However, it offers benefits to every student that chooses to live on campus. For example:

· Offers a community atmosphere and easy socialization

· Resources and amenities are within walking distance, such as a library, gym, dining hall, etc.

· Less responsibilities, such as shopping for household products, cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and more

· Usually more affordable than off-campus housing

· A short commute to classes and school amenities

· Quick access to student services, including tutoring services, study lounges, etc.

On-campus housing offers convenience and so much more, but it doesn’t quite measure up to off-campus housing or McMaster University student housing. This is due to its drawbacks, including:

· Offers much less space and privacy than an off-campus apartment

· Can be often noisy and busy

· Has many rules and regulations, including rules against overnight guests, a curfew, and volume regulations

· Students must share communal areas, such as the bathrooms and a small kitchen area, which are often crowded and loud

· Lacks a proper kitchen, making it virtually impossible to prepare meals

· Doesn’t allow students to choose their own roommates