Once I moved off-campus, I suddenly had a lot more planning to do to make sure I got to class on time, and with that came extra waiting time.
1. Bring a book
Reading is such a lost pastime in college and it is possible to make time for it. One of the best ways to do that is to always have a book with you in your backpack. This helps me not waste time on my phone when I have fifteen minutes to kill in between classes. It also gives me opportunities to read that I would not otherwise make time for myself.
2. Pack snacks
This is an important one!! Living off-campus in an apartment means I do not have a meal plan, so if I get hungry I have to fork out money to buy something on campus. In an effort to save money I pack snacks or lunch if necessary to avoid overspending and making less than healthy choices.
3. Schedule your classes back to back
This is a personal preference but I absolutely try to schedule my classes back to back and in the morning if at all possible. Long gaps in between are great for getting homework done, but I have found that I do better to have time in the afternoon at my apartment to decompress before my nighttime activities. With the added time of the commute, having my classes done in a few hours is ideal for me.
4. Use the bus
The bus can be your best friend when you live off campus. I have a love-hate relationship with the bus, but I would much rather ride the bus than drive. I find it easier and definitely cheaper to take the bus and while it sometimes takes more time that is a great excuse for reading my book in my backpack.
5. Plan, plan, plan
Google calendar and my bullet journal are my best friends. I keep the bus schedule in my bullet journal, I sync everything to Google calendar, and I write down any and everything I am supposed to do. This keeps me on time for everything and makes living off campus work for me.
Living off campus is definitely different than living on campus, but its benefits far outweigh its downsides. Being prepared and planning ahead have allowed me to succeed at living off campus and still participating in everything NC State has to offer. I sometimes miss dorm life, but overall I love living in an off-campus apartment.
