Are you a college student ready for independence? If you’re debating between on-campus vs. off-campus living arrangements, Nels Student Housing can help with quality student housing in Dayton, Ohio.
If you’re looking to take your college experience to the next level, we make it happen. Our fully furnished and secure living arrangements offer the perfect balance of community, responsibility, and convenience.
Embrace Adulthood: Take the Following Steps Toward Living Off Campus
There comes a time in every college student’s life when they step over the threshold into full adulthood. If you have your heart set on off-campus housing, consider the following factors to embrace this milestone with confidence.
Weigh the Housing Costs of Each Option
Without conducting research, many students assume that room and board cost less than housing. However, that’s because colleges conveniently bundle the costs with tuition to make it seem like the obvious choice.
The College Board estimates that living expenses comprise about 30% of a student’s overall expenditures. For example, as of 2025, the University of Dayton estimates that a student’s food and dorm costs $16,730 annually. You can find more affordable options close to the school.
Consider that students living off campus have more control over their food and grocery quality and variety. With smart shopping, they may save significant money on food each semester — and be healthier for it.
Take Control of Your Privacy and Independence
What is the monetary value of privacy and independence? When considering on-campus vs. off-campus life, living in town enables a higher degree of freedom.
Students won’t have to deal with quiet hours or a resident assistant who checks in regularly. They will also have their own bedroom and won’t have to worry about a roommate who won’t leave when they need some quiet time.
Plan Your Commuting Logistics
Obtaining a higher level of independence comes with a trade-off. You may require a little extra effort to get to class. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have significantly increased costs for commuting and transportation.
With the right housing options, you can live campus-adjacent. You’ll obtain all the benefits associated with forgoing dorm life but can still walk or bike to classes.
Even if taking the bus becomes necessary, the overall cost is more affordable than room and board. It also gives you priceless life experience compared to the sheltered nature of dorm life.
Read Over Rental Agreements and Lease Terms
Carefully examine every rental and leasing agreement. There’s no shame in asking a more experienced adult to help. Ensure you understand the following:
- The start and end date for the lease
- Payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
- Damage responsibility policies
- Included amenities
- Utility costs
- Maintenance and repair duties
- Move-out and cleaning requirements
Embrace Your Social Life and Community
If you’re comparing on-campus vs. off-campus living arrangements, don’t worry about a lack of community outside the dorm rooms. Student housing still provides ample opportunity for a social life. While you’ll have your own room, most houses converted to accommodate students still have several people living there.
Enjoy the common room for game nights and communal meals before retreating to the solitude of your bedroom. Off-campus housing is often the best of both worlds.
Take Advantage of Secure and Convenient Living
In many ways, student housing provides better benefits than dorm rooms. With the right choice, you’ll have a keyless entry that boosts crime prevention and security.
The fully furnished rooms mean you won’t have to transport and carry your own heavy property on move-in day. Find a company that offers 24-hour maintenance so that help is only a phone call away.
Contact Nels Student Housing for Accessible and Convenient Options
Once you understand everything involved with comparing on-campus vs. off-campus options, contact Nels Student Housing. Every home we put our name on has private bedrooms and comes fully furnished. Rental prices include all utilities, including high-speed wireless internet.
Look at floor plans and more on our website. Start finding options and contact us today.
