College apartments, university-owned homes, and privately owned apartments and homes are all examples of off-campus housing. Students must apply in advance for a limited number of apartments and homes near campus that are owned universities. Other types of off-campus housing are unrelated to universities and must be sought out students on their own. Students can find listings for both college-owned and privately-owned housing through many university student housing services.
University-owned apartment buildings, which are usually located close to campus, are a common type of off-campus housing. These housing options are generally available to students on a first-come, first-served basis, with waiting lists in place on more crowded campuses. Students benefit from university-owned apartment buildings because of their proximity to the school and, in some cases, lower costs. Utility fees, such as water and electricity, are usually covered rent, but students are usually responsible for ordering and paying extra for other services, such as phone and Internet access. If they are close enough to the school, such living arrangements may have access to the campus cafeteria.
University-owned homes that house large groups of students are another type of off-campus housing. Members of a sorority, fraternity, or athletic team may have exclusive access to these living arrangements. Payments to the college for living in these homes generally cover basic utilities and lawn maintenance, similar to off-campus apartments. Students may split grocery costs or eat meals on campus if their residences are close enough to campus.
Students on densely populated campuses may be unable to access college-owned off-campus housing and must instead live in privately owned apartments. Owners of apartment buildings near campus frequently post vacancy listings with the university’s housing office. These listings, as well as classified ads in local newspapers and online housing websites, can help students find suitable housing. Signing a lease, paying a security deposit, and contacting private companies to connect all utilities are all common requirements for this type of living arrangement. Students who live in privately owned housing usually do their own grocery shopping and eat out.
Renting a room in a private home is another option for off-campus housing. Some homeowners near university campuses rent out rooms to students in exchange for rent, babysitting, and/or housecleaning services. In this scenario, utilities are usually covered. In some cases, the room and board payment may include food, whereas other families may expect students to purchase their own groceries and prepare their own meals.