Talk to anyone and they will tell you that living in a dorm is all a part of the "college experience" which may be partially true; however, living in a dorm is not nearly as great as living in an apartment or house (after your first year).

Your first year of college should be spent in the tiny dorm quarters meeting friends and finding your people. These people are the perfect roommates for your apartment in the following years.

Why live in an apartment or house? Doesn't it cost more? The answer to this question is a hard no. Most apartments can fit up to four people, and the more people you have, the less the rent will be. With an apartment, you are not required to get an on-campus meal plan which is automatically saving you thousands!

Not to mention, while you are living in a dorm, you feel so cramped and like you can't escape. It is not possible for two people to share that much of a confined space and have no problems. With an apartment or house, everyone gets their own space and is less confined. If you are tired, you can go to bed without having to feel bad about your roommate turning off the television or vice versa.

My favorite part of living in an apartment is that it feels like a vacation from school every single day. When you live on-campus, there is certainly a lot to do, but there is no escape from school whatsoever. As soon as you walk out of your dorm room, you are surrounded by stressed-out students, classrooms, and responsibility. All you want is to have a moment of alone time, which is why you like to go home so much. When you live in an apartment, it truly becomes your home away from home.

An apartment or home gives you a greater ability to making the place how you want it, and you probably know your roommates. What is better than living with your best friends? Nothing!

There are some things to keep in mind when searching for an apartment. Try to find something that is close to campus, but still gives you the seclusion you are looking for. Be sure to note amenities such as a free shuttle to and from campus, pool, gym, hot tub, tanning, etc. And finally, never pay more for rent than you feel comfortable. Keep in mind that the whole reason for finding a place off-campus is to be less stressed and have more fun. Struggling to pay rent each month won't help that situation.

Take my advice and my word that living in an apartment or home, is seriously one of the best things you can do while in college. Find your home away from home, and ditch the dorm life.