I’ve recently moved out of the dorms and into an apartment of my own which is pretty damn awesome. Of course, having moved out means there are plenty of changes in your lifestyle that you can quickly adjust to, but you end up taking notice of it anyway. For me, I’ve spent almost my entire college career living in dorms and have gotten quite used to that lifestyle, even with all the quirks of being in a cadet dorm (like only one console per room). Anyhow, I digress, so here are 5 differences between living on and off campus as told by someone recently moved off campus.
1.You actually have to cook now
Well if there is one thing that's certain, you now have a much greater choice in your diet as opposed to what passes as food at your school's dining hall. Downside is you have to prepare this stuff. Thankfully, a few years of actually having to cook for your family and others will make sure that what you make won't actually kill you.
2. Pets
Okay, some places off campus won't let you have pets, but if there is one place that guaranteed to not allow pets, it's any dorm on the simple grounds of they have too many variables, while apartments have it so that you can write it in on the application if you want to or have a little fur ball. Or, in my roommate's case, a turantula and a lizard.
3. Freedom of movement
I've dealt with going to friends dorms and having friends come to mine. It's a hassle, you have to let them into your dorm, then check them into the RA's desk at said dorm before you can hang out. It's pretty simple off campus because they come, you give your roommates a heads up and then you guys hang out or do whatever.
4. More say on what you can have
It just goes without saying that dorms are comparatively small compared to many of places off campus. With that comes the fact that there are many of things you can't have, like lighters and alcohol. Some dorms (like the ones I lived in) even limit you on the size of your TV. Now, with that being said, I'm going to get myself a beanbag chair.
5. Price
Okay, when I was apartment hunting last year, there was one factor that I kept in the front of my mind, and that was that it had to be cheaper than living on campus. Turns out, almost everywhere off campus fits that bill...except for some of the more expensive units in my complex like the 1 bed 1 bath my friend lives in, but I guess you're paying for convenience at that point.
6. (Bonus) You have your own shower
Yeah, a lot modern dorms have private bathrooms for the residents now, but there are still a crap ton of traditional dorms out there where going to the bathroom or taking a shower is not just a danger to your physical well-being. but your psychological well-being as well due to what you might see.
