4 Ways to Save Money When Renting Off-Campus Housing

If you are heading off to college or university, you have a lot of key decisions to make. First you will have to decide which schools are the best for you. From there, you’ll have college admissions tests to take and seemingly endless application forms. All the effort will have been worth it, though, when you hear that you are accepted at one of the schools.

Once you know which college you will be attending in the fall, you will find that there are still more decisions to make. One of your biggest choices involves selecting the right university housing option for you. Some students will decide on a dorm and meal package but increasingly those attending college are finding that off-campus housing offers better options for both housing and meals.

Instead of just living in a small, dark dorm room with no amenities and having bathrooms that are shared by lots of people on the same floor, it pays to consider off-campus housing options. Typically, off campus apartments offer each student adult living with private bedrooms, private baths and a comfortable living room. This option can even save you money over the more expensive dorm room and board.

Living with Roommates

You can save a lot of money on college housing by renting apartments for rent in bridgeport ct and sharing it with roommates to reduce the overall cost. While dorm rooms can be very cramped and often have shared bedrooms, off campus apartments are set up to give each roommate their own bedroom and private bath plus a shared living room. This gives each person in the apartment plenty of private space and still lets everyone hang out together when they want.

Cook Your Own Meals

Unlike dorms, where you purchase an expensive meal plan, off campus apartments come with a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. By shopping weekly grocery sales and eating food you’ve cooked yourself, you can save a substantial amount of money. It also helps if you and your roommates pool money for basic kitchen essentials such as oils, spices, rice, soy sauce and other items.

Live Close to Campus

If you choose an off campus apartment complex that is close to your college or university, you won’t need a car to get to your classes. Cars can be a huge expense for a college student, so not needing one will save lots of cash. With an apartment close to the school you will be able to walk to class and school events.

Live Close to Grocery Stores and Other Shops

It’s also wise to find an apartment that is located within walking distance of grocery stores, coffee shops and the like. This way it will be easy to do your weekly shopping or to stop off at a local coffee shop for that morning jolt of caffeine or to write your paper. By being able to walk to these locations you will save money on monthly car payments, expenses and gas.

If you want to save money on your college expenses, consider renting an off-campus apartment instead of living in a dorm. You will find that your dollar will stretch much further when you choose to live off-campus during your college years.