5 Differences Between Living On And Off Campus | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Differences Between Living On And Off Campus

A quick comparison from a recently ousted dorm guy

748
5 Differences Between Living On And Off Campus
tuftsobserver.com

I’ve recently moved out of the dorms and into an apartment of my own which is pretty damn awesome. Of course, having moved out means there are plenty of changes in your lifestyle that you can quickly adjust to, but you end up taking notice of it anyway. For me, I’ve spent almost my entire college career living in dorms and have gotten quite used to that lifestyle, even with all the quirks of being in a cadet dorm (like only one console per room). Anyhow, I digress, so here are 5 differences between living on and off campus as told by someone recently moved off campus.

1.You actually have to cook now


Well if there is one thing that's certain, you now have a much greater choice in your diet as opposed to what passes as food at your school's dining hall. Downside is you have to prepare this stuff. Thankfully, a few years of actually having to cook for your family and others will make sure that what you make won't actually kill you.

2. Pets

Okay, some places off campus won't let you have pets, but if there is one place that guaranteed to not allow pets, it's any dorm on the simple grounds of they have too many variables, while apartments have it so that you can write it in on the application if you want to or have a little fur ball. Or, in my roommate's case, a turantula and a lizard.

3. Freedom of movement

I've dealt with going to friends dorms and having friends come to mine. It's a hassle, you have to let them into your dorm, then check them into the RA's desk at said dorm before you can hang out. It's pretty simple off campus because they come, you give your roommates a heads up and then you guys hang out or do whatever.

4. More say on what you can have

It just goes without saying that dorms are comparatively small compared to many of places off campus. With that comes the fact that there are many of things you can't have, like lighters and alcohol. Some dorms (like the ones I lived in) even limit you on the size of your TV. Now, with that being said, I'm going to get myself a beanbag chair.

5. Price

Okay, when I was apartment hunting last year, there was one factor that I kept in the front of my mind, and that was that it had to be cheaper than living on campus. Turns out, almost everywhere off campus fits that bill...except for some of the more expensive units in my complex like the 1 bed 1 bath my friend lives in, but I guess you're paying for convenience at that point.

6. (Bonus) You have your own shower


Yeah, a lot modern dorms have private bathrooms for the residents now, but there are still a crap ton of traditional dorms out there where going to the bathroom or taking a shower is not just a danger to your physical well-being. but your psychological well-being as well due to what you might see.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179063
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6244
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451794
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22907
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments