On-campus housing can be exciting! For a lot of people, it’s the first time in their lives that they’ve shared cramped quarters with one or more total strangers. Sure, it’s got a few issues that no one seems to let you know about until move-in day, but it really is a cool experience of college life!
But on-campus housing isn’t perfect for everyone, and for some, off-campus housing is the best bet. The task seems daunting in every way, but it’s not as impossible as some people make it out to be! These are the top tips to those leaving behind the dorms and heading into the wild world of off-campus housing:
1. Don’t be a slob. This is a lifelong rule, not just for the college years! No one wants to live with someone who can’t clean up after themselves. As long as you clean up your own messes and do whatever you can to maintain the overall cleanliness of the living space, there will be no issues!
2. Respect your roommate(s) complaints. Bonds between roommates are rare; it’s not easy to live with someone and make it work, so when your roommate reaches out to you with a complaint, listen! Take it seriously and talk it out. This way you can avoid a problem before it really even starts.
3. Overestimate on groceries…. always. The price of food never fails to surprise. When you transition to feeding yourself without the help of Mom or a meal plan, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll really spend on food each month. Clip those coupons! Don’t be afraid to shop with your calculator in hand! Before you know it, you’ll be the best at finding those hidden deals (and your roomies will appreciate it!)
4. Expect a roommate struggle. It’s not the most uplifting advice, but it’s the truth! Living on campus is full of roommate disagreements, but living off campus with someone has its own set of troubles. One thing rises above the rest: money. Who pays what? How do we split that? Whose name do the bills go under? They may seem minor, but this is the number one fight-starting topic. The best way to handle it is to decide how you’ll handle the money in the very beginning and stick to it. Consistency will help you avoid more fights than you’d think!
5. Limit your visitors. That doesn’t mean don’t ever invite your friends over for a well-deserved hangout, but be conscious of how frequently you bring friends into your apartment (especially if they’re not mutual friends of your roommates). Constant chaos can strain your roommate relationship and make things uncomfortable. Yes, your place is your place and it feels great to invite over your friends to show it off, but your roomies also share the space. As college students with hectic schedules, they’ll always appreciate the down time.
6. Spend time with your roommate(s). These people are friends that like you enough to live with you, and that’s sort of a big deal! Chances are they’ll end up being some of the best friends you’ve ever had. Hang out with them and have fun with them! You’re spending some of the most exciting time in your life with these people, so love them like it.