Going to university is one of the most incredible and fulfilling experiences of our lives, where we step into adulthood and face the world with a more mature outlook. The transformational journey can become even more exciting when you plan to study abroad, where you will gain profound exposure by interacting with diverse people, making global contacts, and more!

So if you get lucky to be accepted at your dream university, there is a lot of work to be accomplished before you depart. And start by arranging your student accommodation at the earliest so that you can get the best and most affordable one. 

But when deciding on a suitable student home, many students struggle to determine whether to go for on-campus or off-campus accommodation! Well, selecting your ideal accommodation type can be quite a challenging task as both have their own set of pros and cons. But don’t worry! We can help you make the final call. 

Read this article to find out about some of the benefits and drawbacks of each of the two accommodation types so that you can make an informed decision for your ideal student home!

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is often called ‘halls of residence’ in many countries like the UK. Most universities instruct first-year students to take up on-campus housing to help them quickly assimilate into university life. Let’s discuss further on-campus accommodation by analysing some of its pros and cons.

Pros

  • Choosing on-campus accommodation in your first year, especially as an international student, will make you well-acquainted with the university culture. You can even stay late for the evening lectures or participate wholeheartedly in extracurricular activities, such as student clubs and societies, volunteering, networking events, etc. It is also a perfect way to meet many like-minded people and build strong friendships and professional relationships.
  • Many universities globally understand well that living away from your family can be difficult. So keeping this in mind, they take the initiative to provide the same home-like comfort and warmth to students by conducting various activities at uni dorms, including communal dinners, movie nights, etc.
  • Most universities have their on-campus accommodation nearby, allowing students to get to the university quickly. So if you choose to pick on-campus housing, it will save you both time and money. Another perk for staying in the uni dorms is that you can literally sleep late in the morning and still manage to arrive on time for your 9 am class!
  • Since a uni dorm is well-furnished with a desk, chair, bed, dresser, armoire, etc., all you have to bring with you is your personal belongings; thus, saving the hassle of purchasing new furniture. Additionally, on-campus accommodation provides many facilities like laundry, bathroom cleaning, meals, etc. 

Cons

There are numerous benefits to living on campus; however, there are a bunch of limitations that you ought to know before making your final judgment. The on-campus accommodation certainly provides a safe and secure environment, but it can sometimes be overwhelming for students, especially when adhering to strict rules and regulations. You are constantly monitored by Resident Assistants (RA), and you often find yourself amidst mandatory study hours, curfews, and set meal times. 

Furthermore, when you live with many students, the lack of privacy is inevitable. At times, you might feel frustrated with constant noises, especially when trying to study peacefully in your room. You often find yourself searching for an alternative spot to hit the books. So, if you value freedom and privacy, on-campus accommodation might not be an ideal fit for you!

Off-Campus Accommodation

If you already have had an experience of staying alone, or you desire to experience the newfound freedom to the fullest, then choose off-campus accommodation. Let’s have a thorough look at its pros and cons to help you provide more clarity!

Pros

  • First and foremost, off-campus accommodation provides you with the independence and privacy you crave, especially when you are waiting to experience your new life in the UK on your terms. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the country’s local culture and learn about its heritage, history, customs, traditions, and values. 
  • One of the best things about off-campus accommodation is that you have tons of choices to pick from, such as PBSA, private accommodation, studio rooms, etc. You can choose to live alone–which can be expensive, with a roommate or few people in the same apartment but with individual rooms. The choice is yours! There will be no Resident Assistants (RA) to tell you what to do and what not to do, no curfews, etc. 
  • Off-campus accommodation is generally equipped with a vast range of amenities for students, such as a swimming pool, coffee bars, outdoor grills, and car parking, in addition to basic amenities like study spaces, communal areas, parking spots, and gyms. 
  • Most off-campus accommodation provides you with all-inclusive rent. So along with your accommodation rent, the cost of utilities, such as water, electricity, gas, cable, security, Wi-Fi, etc., will also be included in the bill. Thus, saving you from the annoyance of paying them separately.

Cons

Student housing nearest to the universities is generally costlier than those at a distance. So if you want to keep your finances in check, you might have to rent accommodation further from the campus, which can consume your time, money, and energy into travelling daily from your student home to your uni. 

Another drawback is that if you’re not habitual of staying alone and often feel homesick, you have to think twice before settling for off-campus accommodation.

Important things to consider before choosing On Campus or Off Campus accommodation 

Cost: Compare the expenses of both options, including rent, utilities, transportation, and meal plans. Sometimes, on-campus housing might include utilities or meal plans, which can affect overall costs.

Convenience: On-campus housing might offer proximity to classes, libraries, and facilities, reducing commute time and expenses. Off-campus options could be more varied in terms of location, offering different levels of convenience.

Community and Social Life: On-campus housing often fosters a more communal atmosphere, making it easier to meet people and engage in campus activities. Off-campus housing might provide more independence but could be less connected socially.

Privacy and Independence: Off-campus living typically offers more privacy and independence. You'll have more control over your space and lifestyle compared to the regulations of on-campus housing.

Amenities and Facilities: On-campus residences might offer study spaces, gyms, or other facilities, whereas off-campus places could vary significantly in terms of what they offer.

Rules and Regulations: On-campus housing might have stricter policies regarding guests, noise, and other aspects compared to off-campus living.

Safety and Security: Both on-campus and off-campus accommodations come with different safety considerations. Assess the neighbourhood's safety for off-campus options and the security measures in place for on-campus housing.

Transportation: On-campus living might reduce the need for transportation costs, while off-campus options might require you to factor in commuting expenses and time.

Conclusion

We hope that you find this article pretty useful! We have stated all the relevant points to help you analyse the pros and cons of staying on-campus and off-campus accommodation. Now, you need to ponder each point to decide which accommodation would be a perfect fit for your interest and then proceed accordingly. All the best!