Getting into college is a major life achievement that ultimately took you a lot of time and hard work, and that hard work doesn't necessarily end at that acceptance letter. There's a lot of careful planning and decision-making that goes into enrolling in college, before you starting putting in that hard work in the classroom. Namely, you should be considering housing options if you plan to live on campus, or close to campus.
There are a fair amount of choices when it comes to college living, and it can become daunting at times. Take a look at the housing options below to help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
On-Campus Options
The Dorm:
While this option is popular for many college and university students, the decision isn't so cut and dry. Depending on the school you have chosen, as a freshman, you may or may not have the option to pick any dorm setting on the entire campus. Some universities limit their incoming freshmen to exclusive freshmen dorm rooms, while others allow more of a choice. See the list below of general pros and cons for dorm living choices.
Freshmen Dorms:
Pros:
You get grouped into a living situation with students that are, for the most part, on the same schedule as you are. Since this will be a new experience for all of you, it can help with camaraderie. You may even share the same classes and professors, and can more conveniently organize study groups in common areas of the dorm.
Cons:
You will have a lot of people coming in from various life experiences. Some students may end up diving into the college party scene, while others end up buckling down and studying right away. Some may end up balancing both. Whichever route students end up taking, they will ultimately end up disrupting other students from time to time. If you're studying, you may get interrupted late into the night from people coming back from parties, or if you're coming back from a party, you may end up getting reprimanded by a RA for being noisy. Just beware that there will be a lot of different lifestyles to respect in a communal living situation. In addition, your first roommate is usually selected for you by the university unless you already know someone you want to dorm with.
All-Class Dorms:
Pros:
You get to associate with students of all grade levels and ages, which can be useful if you need any advice about a particular class, or just advice on the ins and outs of college life in general. As a freshman, you probably won't be allowed to have a car on campus, so not only are all-class dorms great for campus bus systems, but you may befriend some upperclassmen with cars that would be willing to give you a ride if need be.
Cons:
It may become difficult at first to socialize with people in these dorms, because many have already formed relationships with fellow students, so if you're somewhat of an introvert, this may not be an option for you. And like any dorm, you share bathrooms and study spaces with your entire floor, which can be difficult to get used to.
Single Dorms:
Pros:
You don't have to worry about a roommate being too messy or too clean for you, because it would be your own private space. Watch TV until as late as you want or keep the light on - you won't have to worry about disturbing anyone's sleep. If you study a lot, you'll definitely value the quiet time you can have in a single dorm setting.
Cons:
For the social butterfly, this option may be more like solitary confinement. If you're just starting out in college, it will be difficult to form relationships if you are always by yourself. And if you or your parents are footing your tuition bill, single dorms are usually more expensive, even though they are much smaller.
Suites:
Pros:
While suites are similar to dorms rooms in that they are usually double or triple bedrooms, the major difference is you share a connected bathroom, and sometimes a common area or kitchen, much like a small apartment. Sharing a bathroom with four to six people is a lot less than sharing a bathroom with over 40 people. The suite option is also a good stepping stone to prepare you for off-campus apartment living in the future.
Cons:
You will be sharing tight space between four to six people, and if there's any living arrangement conflict, you may find yourself getting a little claustrophobic with limited space to blow off any steam. That's why, understanding your college roommates is important.
Fraternities and Sororities:
These Greek social organizations are popular among college students looking to diversify their social network and many times they are an opportunity to give back to the community. Some Greek organizations focus on academics or business, while others are for professional advancement or social opportunities.
Pros:
You get to live in a house. Not a small dorm room, not a small apartment, but a house. You share the space with your fraternity brothers or sorority sisters, and therefore can easily plan any social events or study groups with ease. At most colleges, fraternity and sorority houses are very close to other on-campus housing, making commuting to class just as easy. You may also be eligible for scholarships through your organization.
Cons:
You pay dues to be in a Greek organization, and you'll have to decide whether the price is worth the living space and social network. Many times students who choose a fraternity or sorority end up becoming distracted living in these houses, because of constant parties and social events. Consider this when making a decision to go Greek (not to mention the endless tasks you'll be asked to perform as a pledge - do your research!)
On-Campus Apartments:
Many juniors and seniors will choose the option of living in an on-campus apartment, with slightly more freedom and amenities than a dorm setting, but still very much apart of the college campus.
Pros:
You won't be sharing space with dozens of people, and you may even have your own bedroom depending on the apartment. You'll have access to a common living room, a kitchen and generally a dining room. Unlike regular apartments, you won't have to worry about utility bills or furniture, as the university provides both (though you can always bring in your own furniture if you choose to).
Cons:
You'll need to budget for groceries if you don't continue to have a meal plan. Many students will opt for a smaller meal plan, so they can eat some meals at their apartments and some in the dining hall. You will still have an RA, so don't necessarily think an on-campus apartment is a free-for-all with no rules - you will have to adhere to on-campus living guidelines while living on the property.
Off-Campus Options
Off Campus Apartments/Houses:
On-campus living may not be for you. You might enjoy a little more detachment from university life and would rather take on a little more responsibility. If that's the case, just make sure you do your research on the area you plan on moving to, and plan out a budget beforehand. You will also want to select your roommate(s) carefully, since you will be signing a lease and having to pay monthly rent and utilities.
Pros:
As far as individual freedom goes, this is the best option for you. You won't have any curfew restraints, and you can customize your living experience by choosing your roommates and place of residence. You will have your own room, and therefore your own area to study or do whatever you'd like. You can have guests over without signing them in like many dorm situations.
Cons:
You may have to commute to campus by car, which will cost more money, as will rent, electricity, food costs, cable and water (make sure your roommate will be as responsible for all these things as well). Many times rental houses and apartment complexes in close proximity to universities will hike up their rental prices simply for this reason - not because you will get any added amenities in the rent, so shop around.
TIP: Most college websites have a section for off-campus housing in the area. Take advantage of this information, and keep an eye out for flyers around campus. Many students advertise rooms for rent through bulletin boards.