Young woman packing personal belongings
Living arrangements are one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you begin your college experience. Deciding whether to live on-campus or off-campus depends on a variety of factors, including budget, transportation capabilities, and more. Choosing a place to live is one of the first independent decisions a college student makes as a young adult. Always view off-campus rentals in Athens, Ohio first and in-person before signing the rental agreement for any OU rentals.
Privacy
Living in dormitories, especially if you’ve never had to share space with a large number of people, can be overwhelming for some people, especially those who value their privacy or smaller social circles. In an off-campus apartment or home, even if you’re sharing with a few roommates, there’s an increased level of privacy, whether you need time to study or to catch up on some much-needed sleep on the weekends. Having a bathroom to yourself will seem like a luxury after having shared one with several other students in the dorm.
Personalize Your Space
Dorm rooms and even on-campus apartments offer limited decor choices. With off-campus living, you’ll find a variety of layouts and sizes of Athens, Ohio rentals. The decor will vary, and according to your lease terms, what changes will be allowed. For example, some students prefer to add carpeting or even paint walls a color that is more aligned with their tastes. Structural changes are not generally allowed in any manner, and any changes made that cause damage to your rental will fall upon you under the terms of the lease, which holds you financially liable. However, with off-campus rentals, you have greater freedom to personalize your home than you do with on-campus living accommodations. Rugs, wall art, curtains and adding your own furniture and personal belongings will make your space feel like your own instead of a temporary space to sleep and study. Off-campus living allows you to surround yourself with the things that make you feel comfortable and at home.
Save Money
Beautiful young woman studying and working on her laptop at the home.
Living off-campus can actually save you money, and is cheaper than on-campus housing in many cases. Depending upon your budget, you may be able to save money living off-campus and sharing a rental with a few other roommates than by living in a dorm or an on-campus apartment. Add up the total cost of your on-campus dorm or apartment for both semesters, and compare that to the average cost of rentals in Athens. Generally, homes or apartments in close proximity to the campus may be more expensive. If you have transportation access, such as your own vehicle or a mobile ride service, you may be able to find a great deal on properties that aren’t as close to OU.
Always read the terms of any lease agreement for OU rentals in Athens, Ohio, before signing, and choose a reputable rental company that owns and maintains its properties. Have a clear understanding of your budget and what you can afford to pay each month to live in an off-campus residence or apartment.
