Things to Keep in Mind While Looking for Off-Campus Student Accommodation
Choosing to move off campus is a big decision that comes with a lot of responsibility, as well as a variety of benefits. Whereas on-campus dorms provide convenience, off-campus housing can often be less expensive. It also gives you access to larger living spaces, the freedom to set your own rules, and the ability to gain more life experience. However, not all off-campus options are ideal.
Picking your roommate(s)
![]() |
| Bloomsburg Off-Campus Student Housing |
Before getting started with your off-campus student housing search, you need to decide if you’re going to live solo, have a roommate, or share your space with multiple people to cut down on costs. If you’re going in with others, then you all need to be 100 per cent committed to finding a place and sharing the costs. Having your bestie as your roommate is great, but it might not always be feasible. Just make sure everyone is on the same page by asking each other key questions about lifestyle preferences, including:
- Work schedules
- Drinking and smoking habits
- How often you like to entertain
- How you’ll share spaces and household items
- Credit ratings and financial standing
- Health concerns
Figure Out Your Budget
In most cases, off-campus housing comes out of your parents’ pockets. But, if you are earning and wish to finance your stay on your own, you don’t want more than 30 per cent of your monthly income going towards your rent. You also need to look out for these notable expenses:
- Security deposits: Many apartments charge a security deposit, which could be as much as a month’s rent on top of your other moving expenses, to cover possible damage you might inflict while living there.
- Utilities: Some apartments may include all or some of your utilities, but some may not include any. Utilities include heating, cooling, electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash services. Make sure you factor these into your monthly costs. Trusted names like MV Student Housing in Bloomsburg ensure the best is provided to students from their side.
- Pet fees: Are you bringing your pet with you? Expect to pay an additional deposit or an extra monthly fee, depending on the policies of the apartment management company.
Consider the Commute
No matter what your housing options are, you need to seriously consider your commute when choosing your spot. Will you still be able to walk to class or the library? Is there convenient transportation, or will you need to drive? If you’ll have a car, where will you park on and off campus, and what are the costs? Keep in mind that you might take night classes, or you might have to go to class in nasty weather.
Safety first
Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you feel safe while you live there. How do people get in and out of the building? When’s the last time the locks were changed? What’s the neighbourhood like? These are all important questions to research and talk to your prospective landlord about before you fall in love with your new home.
From finding a roommate to navigating your lease, the challenges are real. Knowing what to look for in off-campus student housing makes all the difference, especially if you’re a first-time renter. It’ll come off as very easy if you consider the above factors while searching for the ideal off-campus rental.

Comments
Post a Comment