One of the grueling tasks for students opting for education in a foreign country and differentiating between on-campus vs off-campus accommodation with discrete rules might be a formidable mission to be accomplished.
On-Campus Student Accommodation
This means when a selected university or college where the student has taken admission has offered a hostel or a dorm room to the specific student. For married scholars studying some postgraduate courses, the university may offer an apartment. The aforesaid dormitory room comes within the university premises.
Off-Campus Student Housing
The off-campus student housing is located outside the university or college premises. Now, the basic rules of off-campus housing, such as a separate flat, or PGs is that the students have to search and select these accommodations on their own.
Difference between On-Campus & Off-Campus Housing
When choosing between on-campus vs off-campus accommodation, scholars have to determine them accordingly to their pros and cons. Let us discuss the factors below one by one:
1. Accessibility
By the rule of specific universities, students opting for admission might have to choose on-campus accommodation for the first time. However, this helps the student to adjust more conveniently to university life. Scholars should remember that these dormitory rooms in on-campus housing fill up quickly, due to more students applying for the same. So, they need to plan it at the time of taking admission.
Moreover, some universities make the process rigid for the students by detaching the campus accommodation applications from the admission forms. The specific universities pick up a randomly created lottery number to select a particular student’s accommodation.
Now, comparatively off-campus student housing is available in plenty. Thus students can apply for an off-campus home at their own time and comfort. Besides, there are no lottery systems, it is just paid and get the desired house.
2. Price
There is a major difference between on-campus vs off-campus accommodation is the monthly costs. Most on-campus buildings cost includes the price of various utilities such as water, electricity, laundry, Wi-Fi, cable, parking space, and meals for the entire day. Although, the universities strategically raise the accommodation cost to include all these different expenses. While the cost of off-campus housing is exclusive of meal plans and can be expensive.
However, off-campus can be affordable, but in smaller communes. Dormitory houses under on-campus are all furnished. Besides, the rent will not go higher, if any cohabitant moves out of the housing. While in an off-campus, if a student decides to leave the housing, he is required to pay in penalties.
3. Security
On-campus housing has its security personnel. So, there is round the clock safety measurement for students. Whereas, in the case of off-campus, there is no assurance of security guards. Moreover, on-campus, most foreign universities provide scholars with unique IDs and active lock systems at the entry point of their students’ housing. Again, CCTV security cameras are installed to keep an eye on any miscreants. Off campuses usually lack these facilities.
4. Private Life and Space
Why living off-campus is better? Students can count on the merits of privacy and space for considering off-campus housing. While on-campus students have to share rooms with one or more roommates. Besides, there are different dorm regulations, so students are controlled by the supervisor. Also, students can have issues in common bathrooms. Wherein, in an off-campus space, there are no troubles in the private life of scholars, as there are no housemates to occupy the space or use the washroom. Besides, there are a lot of extra spaces. Moreover, no confinements are there on staying out late nights. Students will find these factors easy to leave, as they can engage in a part-time job after the classes.
5. Educational Benefits
On-campus housing is better for those students who desire to learn in groups and with classmates. Wherein, those scholars who have concentration problems and loves to self-study, rather than groups can find it comfortable in off-campus student housing, whereby he can focus better in a private flat or rented space.
6. Suitability
The suitability factor depends on three main attributes, closeness, ease of journey, and added facilities. Firstly, on campuses are the best choices, as they are within the university premises. The library, dining space, and recreational rooms are all nearby. While off-campus, if it is far-off from college, so traveling is a problem, especially at night.
Secondly, students will need a public transport facility to reach their colleges from off-campus housings. But, on-campus, there are no such issues. Thirdly, in an on-campus dorm, added comforts like, extensive use of Wi-Fi, dining, bathroom are all managed by the university authorities. So, students have no hassles whatsoever, which is not the case in off-campus housing, where are there no surety of these ancillary amenities.
7. Why Living Off-Campus is Better?
One of the prime advantages of off-campus housing is its privacy. Students can come back late at night from their extra classes or if he is working as a part-timer. Besides, scholars can maintain a high social life, as there are no or fewer time restrictions. Again, these rooms are available in abundance, and easy to book.
8. Which One Better for You & Why?
Considering which one is better for the students will depend on the preferences of the particular individual. Deciding between on-campus vs off-campus accommodation can be an irritating task, as both have their own merits and demerits. So, it is an onus of the scholars to search, plan, and finally decide with which option they will proceed.
Final Verdict
The convenience of opting for the chosen accommodation will vary with different students, and also on the individualistic preferences of the scholars. Thus, when choosing an on-campus from off-campus and vice versa will surely result in three vital factors of price, satisfaction, and overall benefits. So, students should plan on their allocated funds, and decide which of the two will be optimal for their personal needs and priorities.
Note: Student Accommodation in Foreign Countries – Things to Keep in Mind!
