College dormitory life is an exciting new experience for a college freshman. But as with everything, the time may come when your perspectives change and dorm life is no longer ideal. The move off campus is just another stepping stone in the endless checklist of college experiences, and for those readying to make this jump here is a short list of advice as to what you can expect.
Campus may seem further away than just the distance in miles
Maybe you’ve grown tired of the constant noise and high activity level in the dorms, but you still enjoy the events and activities put on by the dorm coordinators. Keeping up with these events may prove harder than you think, especially without Resident Assistants, or RAs, and flyers on every other door reminding you about the courtyard barbeque on Friday or Saturday’s Greek Life Fundraiser.
Keep in touch with friends whom are still living on campus, as they may be more connected and "in the loop." You can do your part by taking note of any information posted in buildings while you're on campus for classes. Your professors can be good sources of information as well. Being physically separated from the dorms doesn’t mean you have to be alienated from all the fun activities put on for students.
Consider the “Hidden” Fees of Moving Off-Campus
The cost for room and board in dorms on top of a meal plan can add up quickly when paired with your tuition. Don’t be too lured into a bad situation by the promise of a cheaper monthly rent at an off-campus location, however. While it is true you could be paying as little as a few hundred dollars a month for rent (depending on how many roommates are splitting that rent, the location, etc.) the expenses don’t stop there. Things such as internet and cable service and electricity are not usually paid for by your landlord or apartment complex. Be prepared to spend for those extras, and take advantage of any deals service providers may be offering at the time.
Another surprising expense is the cost of parking on campus. If you are moving to a location a block or two away, a daily walk to class and back will likely be no problem. If you are moving further away, you may need to drive to campus and park there for the day without being ticketed. Parking passes and their policies will vary from one university to another, but expect some sort of fee. You can do some research to get an idea ahead of time. For example, the University of Northern Colorado has a webpage for its parking policies. Websites are a great place to look, as the information is usually complete and there are alternate contacts also included.
It’s the First Step to What You’ll Face after Graduation
Living in the dorms may be a first taste of freedom for many college students, but the full effect won’t kick in until you are officially on your own. With your name on a lease and monthly utility bills, the “real world” will feel one semester closer. Being off campus is a chance to see what it is truly like to live independently of your parents or parental figures. You will be in charge of things you never thought of before, such as buying your own necessities and keeping track of the "small" stuff. Come on, can't forget rolls of toilet paper! Having a place that really is your own for the entirety of your lease can be a liberating feeling and serve as a preview of what it will be like after graduation day.
Moving to a location off campus is much like the experience of moving into the dorms: you won’t know quite what to expect, but you know you are looking forward to it. Leaving the dorms is a common move made by college students that serves as another rite of passage in college life. Keeping these things in consideration as well as being open to any other surprises is just a fact of going through something new. Moving to your own place is a great experience that may give you the feeling of really growing up (but don’t worry, you still have time to have fun and soak all of it in).
Kara Fukutomi - Kara received her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado in May 2011.
