Living in dorms sounds like fun in the beginning - lots of friends to make, and cute boys living down the hall, the typical "college experience." Until you realize that means loud noises at all hours of the night and a tiny bathroom that's meant for one person, not four. Thankfully, there comes a time where we get to have our very own apartment off campus. Need convincing of why that's so awesome? Look no further.
1. Food
Unfortunately, for most schools, the restaurants and other places that you might go to for food on campus are most likely closed late at night. Now, this always sucks - especially when you skipped dinner just to study for that horrendous math test that you have coming up. Well, this is where the first perk of many off-campus living comes in! When you get to do your own grocery shopping, that means your fridge, freezer and cabinets will always be fully stocked! Not to mention, you no longer have to worry about some of the unhealthy food options on campus, because you have a little bit of everything right at home. Who can complain about that?
2. Alone Time
Sometimes we all need just a little bit of rest and relaxation - who doesn't? The struggle with having alone time at school is that.. you have none. You're constantly around the chatter of students on campus and can't quite seem to escape from it. However, if you're off campus, you can make your room and living area feel somewhat like home and finally feel as if you're able to relax!
3. Life Preparation
Being on campus 24/7 is easy for just about anyone. But what happens after college in the "real world" when you're suddenly overcome with paying for your own place and utilities? Thankfully, living in an off-campus apartment gives you quite the preparation. If you have a job, you can handle your own money and bills. This might not seem like too much fun right now, but it will be worth it in the long run.
4. Freedom
Going off to college can be difficult for a lot of students. Leaving home and your family is not always easy, especially when that's all you've really ever known and adjusting isn't always comfortable, but maybe that's a good thing. I've always felt as if it was important for people to be put in uncomfortable situations in order for them to grow (at least for me). When you're in a new environment, you learn new things that come in handy such as cooking and laundry. But there's one big thing - no supervision. You can do whatever it is that you want to do while living off campus, without worrying about RA's and campus police! Isn't that nice?
5. You'll Have A Lot Of Fun
If you're still a student and living off campus, odds are that you have at least one roommate. Some people might not like the idea of living with others, but I look at it as living with your best friends. It's so nice to wake up and go to bed feeling incredibly comfortable with the people that you live with - instead of walking on eggshells with the strangers you were paired up with on campus. You and your roommates will not only grow closer together, but will have so much fun with your movie nights and countless dance parties!
