Rising college tuition rates have left many students feeling the pressure to find a way to stretch their money. The cost of books, supplies, and room and board can be overwhelming for some families already having financial difficulty sending their children to school. More than 50% of college students live off-campus to save on living expenses, but does this impact academic success?
The Relationship between Off-campus Living and Academics
The impact of off-campus living on academics is a complex issue that researchers have studied for decades. Some studies have shown that living off-campus impacts academic achievement negatively, while other research suggests the opposite conclusion.
Living on or near campus enables students to more readily access resources such as tutoring and study groups. The ability to live with friends may decrease the chances of academic failure for students who lack motivation and drive, as those around them can influence them.
Students living off-campus are likely more financially strained than their on-campus counterparts, negatively impacting grades if financial concerns become a distraction in school.
Living Off-Campus Benefits
There are various positive and negative effects of off-campus living on academics for students who lack motivation or have procrastination tendencies. There is a possibility that grades could take a hit if they don’t have the pressure to attend class or study for exams found while living in dorms. However, many studies suggest that there is no negative impact on grades.
Cheaper Option
The decision to live off-campus may be an issue of cost for some students, but there are ways that individuals can find affordable housing options like canyon flats while attending college. Off-campus accommodation is a cheaper alternative for most students. This can be linked to the rise in student hostels that factor in the different economic backgrounds of students.
Independence
Many students who live off-campus learn how to become independent and make decisions on their own when faced with tough situations. Students who live on campus may be given the option to receive help from those around them, but those residing off-campus typically have to figure things out.
You Choose Your Roommate
Unlike campus accommodation, where you are paired with someone and have to accept them, off-campus housing gives you the option of your roommate. There is considerable evidence that living with friends or family members positively affects academic success; the ability to stay with others who share similar goals and interests could be a more productive alternative to dorm living.
Privacy
Campus housing does not offer a high level of privacy which could affect academic performance. Students who live off-campus have the option of choosing a place that offers more privacy if they need it to complete their school work. You can organize your study schedules without having to worry about restrictions that are found in on-campus accommodation.
Permanency
You don’t have to vacate every summer since this is a requirement in most on-campus accommodation. Having to move your items can be costly and time-consuming. You can easily renew your lease by talking to your accommodation manager and avoiding the back-to-school rush.
Amenities
Most off-campus accommodations tend to be closer or offer amenities that make life easier. You will have access to a kitchen and other appliances that you wouldn’t find in dormitories.
These are a few benefits associated with living off-campus. It is important to research the area where you live and make sure that it will be conducive for studying before making a final decision on your living arrangements.
All in all, the decision on where to live while attending college is an individualized one. Many factors go into whether or not off-campus housing will impact grades positively or negatively; students and their families need to weigh out the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.
Summing Up
Whether or not living off-campus impacts academic success is a matter of opinion; the research on this topic has yielded conflicting results that vary depending on who you ask. Dorm life may better suit some students; others (such as those with low motivation levels) may find themselves more productive when living away from campus. There are plenty of affordable options for housing near college campuses that can help students save money while still having access to the resources they need to succeed academically.
