Many Different Approaches
When it comes to student housing in the United States, there are many schools of thought. The traditional living arrangement is sharing a dorm room with a roommate. Oftentimes freshmen and sophomore students do this before branching out into other solutions, like apartments, or renting a room in a house.
But these aren’t the only options. In this writing, we’ll explore a few student housing trends pertaining to apartment living, as well as potential mobile living arrangements, and other ways students keep a roof over their heads while they go about being educated.
Student Housing In “Hip” Communities
Denver, Colorado is one of the “hippest” cities in America, presently, and as you might expect, that means a collegiate influence. Accordingly, a massive market has sprung up across the city providing erstwhile young people reliable solutions when it comes to Denver student housing.
In Davis, California, there’s a fine collegiate community that, much like Denver, has resulted in the ubiquity of student housing options. Some of these are truly unique, and all of them have varying advantages worth considering. To get an idea of the available units, you might check out Sol at West Village.
The Mobile Component
You can buy an RV for under $5k and get a year’s use out of it. It will cost you a bit in repair and upkeep, but your campus will likely have showers that you can use in the gym area, and so you could conceivably live out of your RV while you study. This is something that is becoming increasingly popular, especially given the collateral advantages. Also, mobile living need not feel mobile.
Renting A House As A Group
Fraternities and sororities often rent a “house” where brothers and sisters of the group live. You don’t have to be part of this sort of organization to sign a lease with four of your friends that’s walking distance from campus. Oftentimes this is cheaper and a lot more fun than dormitory living. Plus, it’s a lot more “liberated”, because you have no RA’s hassling you.
Now granted, renting a home as a group could put you in a position where you’ve got to deal with flooded basements or pests. Dormitories won’t have that issue. But when you’re off-campus and you’ve got access to a house, that leaves things open for a lot of celebratory events. However, this could be a downside for the erstwhile student; so think about that, too.
Staying With A “Host” Family
Oftentimes foreign exchange students will live with a “host” family during their time in the country. This sort of thing can be done even if you’re not a foreign exchange student. Look in local classified ads and craigslist ads for listings of rooms for rent. These can be affordable, and might even end up being a really good deal.
However, you might also brush up against some real creeps. If you’re going this route, it may be wise to look at certain room rental options with a parent, guardian, or other older person who has experience requisite to keep you from getting yourself in a tough situation. Craigslist can save time and money, but it can also be a dangerous way to proceed.
Finding Your Ideal Living Situation
As a college student, you’ve got a lot of adventures ahead of you. There are going to be some experiences you couldn’t possibly predict. There are going to be good times, there are going to be bad times, and you will learn. So whether you go with dormitories, apartment housing rentals, shared homes, mobile living, or rented rooms, be excited!
Do your homework, figure out what you need, what you don’t need, what you can afford, and how you’re going to afford it. Then, examine your options, and make the most informed choice. You may even be able to save a little money if you’re careful.