A Complete Guide to Living Off-Campus

By Student Cribs | April 18, 2024 | Reading Time: 8 minutes

Deciding whether to live off-campus is a significant decision as a student, offering a range of housing options and benefits compared to on-campus student living.  To address common questions and concerns students may have about off-campus living we’ve highlighted the potential advantages and options available for you.

What is Off-Campus Housing?

Off-campus housing refers to accommodation options that are not owned or managed by the university. This includes rental apartments, houses, or shared living arrangements off university property. It offers students the opportunity to live independently, away from the campus environment, while still being close enough to attend classes and university activities. Often considered in your 2^nd and 3^rd year of university, it is seen as an alternative accommodation option for students who like to prioritise independent living, as well as freedom of choice for housemates and often savings in accommodation costs.

Is Living Off-Campus Cheaper than On-Campus?

Generally, off-campus housing is a more cost-effective choice when compared to on-campus options, especially when sharing expenses with roommates. However, it’s essential to consider factors like location, amenities, and utilities when budgeting for off-campus living

Are Utilities Included in Off-Campus Accommodation?

The inclusion of utilities in off-campus rent varies depending on the rental agreement. Some student house shares may include utilities like water, electricity, and internet in the rent, while others may require tenants to pay separately for utilities. Always enquire with your agent/provider as to which bills are included within your package. Here at Student Cribs, we offer a variety of bills packages across our properties.

The Benefits of Living Off-Campus

More Choice of Housing

Off-campus living provides a diverse range of housing options, including cluster flat-style properties and houses of multiple occupancies. Students can choose accommodations tailored to their preferences, with varying group sizes ranging from 2 bedroom to 6 bedroom student homes. You also get the choice of the number of bathrooms, so if you don’t want to share with housemates, you get the option for an ensuite which you may not get on campus.

Increased Space and Privacy

Off-campus accommodations often offer more space compared to on-campus residences, providing you with greater privacy and comfort. Larger rooms and shared living areas allow you to personalise your living space and create a homely environment for studying and relaxation.

Reduced Distractions

Living off-campus naturally tends to be less noisy and distracting compared to living in dormitories or crowded apartment buildings. With fewer people around and potentially more space between residents, you are likely to experience a quieter environment. This peace and quiet can make it easier to focus on your studies or unwind after a long day on campus. Plus, getting a good night’s sleep becomes a lot easier when you’re not being disturbed by unwanted noisy neighbours or hallway commotion!

Choose Your Own Housemates

When opting for off-campus student housing, one of the most significant advantages is the ability to select your own roommates. Unlike on-campus housing where roommates are often randomly assigned, off-campus living allows you to have a say in who you live with. This enables you to choose roommates with whom you share similar interests, lifestyles, and living habits, fostering a harmonious living environment! Whether you prefer to live with friends, classmates, or people with common interests, the ability to select roommates ensures a more enjoyable and fulfilling living experience. See our top tips for choosing housemates.

Experience the City

Living off-campus offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself more deeply in the city or town where you’re studying. Instead of being confined to the campus bubble, you have the chance to explore and engage with the local community on a more intimate level.

Access to local amenities is a significant advantage. Off-campus living often means being closer to grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and other essential services. This proximity not only makes daily tasks more convenient but also encourages you to venture out and discover new places.

Greater Sense of Independence

Living off-campus offers numerous benefits and opportunities for students seeking alternative accommodation options. From increased space and privacy to experiencing city life and fostering independence, off-campus living enriches the university experience. By exploring the different housing options and advantages discussed in this article, students can make informed decisions that align with their preferences and lifestyles.

Avoid the Chaos

Off-campus student houses offer a welcome break from the chaos of on-campus living. Say goodbye to the hectic move-in process, , and those annoying fire drills that always seem to happen at the worst times. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of finding temporary accommodation during holiday breaks, like Christmas, which can be a real headache, especially if you’re from out of town or an international student.

Not sure where to start, or feeling overwhelmed about the options available for you. Here are our FAQs about off-campus student housing to help answer any questions that you may have.

Should I Live Off-Campus In My First Year of University?

While living on-campus during your first year can offer a convenient transition and access to university resources, some students may prefer off-campus living for various reasons. Factors to consider include personal preferences, budget, housing availability, and the desire for independence.

Also, parking on campus can be very expensive or impossible at some universities. Whereas an off-campus house share can often have easy road parking, access to cheaper public car parks e.g. NCP, or even a private parking spaces.

On-Campus or Off-Campus: Which Should I Choose?

It can often be a difficult decision to have to make, so it’s always good to ask for advice. Whether this be from friends and family who have experienced both, or looking at student-run forums like The Student Room.

Make sure you try to view as many accommodation options as possible, this will help you get a feel for the different types available to you. Finally, create your own pro’s and cons list based off of what is important to you and compare these side by side.

If you decide that off-campus living is the perfect choice for you then Student Cribs has fully furnished, interior-designed flats and houses for you to live in across the UK, from northern hubs including Leeds and Leicester, to southern cities like Exeter and Portsmouth. The best part? You don’t have to pay any hidden deposits to secure your new Student Crib! Take a look at all the locations we have on offer to find your next student home. If you’re still unsure, the Student Cribs team are on hand to answer any questions that you may have, contact us here.