Which is Better? Apartment vs. Dorm
During your college years, living away from a family is a step towards independence that many students seek. The question arises is whether I live in the dorms or an apartment?
In this post, I will be comparing both, and it is up to you on which one you decide is the better option!
Proximity to Campus
The distance to campus is a good factor to consider when deciding between dorms and apartments.
Dorms are always on campus or extremely close to it. Apartments can be far from campus, and some might even require a small commute.
If you want to stay on campus, a dorm would be the better option, especially for your first few years in college.
However, apartments might be for you if you don’t mind a small distance.
Cost
A significant factor for many, if not all, is cost.
When comparing the two, apartments are a cheaper option for the most part. This is because dorms involve the cost of room and board and a meal plan.
On the other hand, apartments are cheaper because you essentially pay for what you use. Additionally, you minimize costs with roommates as well.
Something to consider with the cost of living is that dorm living is, in a way, lumped together in one amount. However, apartments have a lot of different expenses you need to keep track of.
Space
Space can be a make-it-or-break-it factor when deciding between an apartment or dorm.
Dorms are much smaller than apartments. They are essentially single rooms that you live in for the school year.
Apartments offer a much larger space on average since they typically come with a bedroom of your own or shared with someone, a living area, and a whole kitchen.
Restrictions of Living
A big difference between living in a dorm and an apartment is that dorms are under university guidelines.
Dorms have specific rules you have to follow. Not to mention, resident advisors keep an eye out for behavioral or other living issues.
While apartments do have expectations from the landlords or leasing office, you are still free to go about living however you want as long as you are within legal boundaries.
Financial Aid
This is a big one for students who heavily depend on financial aid from the government or the college they are attending.
Some loans and financial aid packages restrict how the funds can be utilized.
Dorms are usually within the financial aid without a problem. But the same can not be said for apartments that are off-campus and not affiliated with your school.
Check whether you can utilize your financial aid package towards off-campus apartment housing since it falls under student expenses, but every package differs.
These are prominent factors to consider when choosing between an apartment or a dorm. Let me know what option you are leaning towards or any other questions or comments below!