​Understanding Living Options
Surround City Size
The environment where you study is a significant factor to consider when thinking about college fit. You want to make sure you choose a place where you will find happiness. While it’s important to choose a location that makes you feel comfortable, this might be a chance for you to challenge yourself. Perhaps if you’ve grown up in a small town, you should embrace the move to a city. If you’ve always been a city kid, maybe it’s time to welcome a simpler life in the suburbs.
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City
Cities are urban environments bustling with activity. For campus settings in large cities, you can expect a never-ending list of things to do. Due to the sheer size of the cities, you will likely experience people from all different backgrounds. For those hoping to keep busy and become comfortable with public transportation, the city life might be for you.
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Suburban
Suburban territories are smaller urban areas outside of cities. Though there may not be as much going on, the suburbs often have access to bigger cities that surround them. You can find suburbs of all different sizes. Campus settings in suburban environments are a great option for people who still want to be near the hoopla but want the vibe of a smaller town and familiar community.
Town
Towns are smaller environments even further from urbanized areas. You can choose a town that’s just on the fringe of urban areas, distant, or remote. Campus settings that take place in towns will have a comfortable familiarity with them. You will likely be able to walk around campus and recognize a few faces. Towns are a great option for students that hope their college will have a close, cozy community.
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Rural
Rural locations are even smaller in population than towns. Though rural towns may seem sleepy, there’s a certain charm when removing yourself from urban areas. Many rural settings are set in nature, whether in the mountains, out in the desert, or by the beach. The rural campus settings might be best for someone that cares more about surrounding themselves with nature than other people.
Living Situation
Whether you choose to stay close to home or go to school far away. There may be different living options for you.
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Living on Campus
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Dorms are often at the forefront of the “where to live at college” thought process. You see dorms in movies hear about dorm parties or roommate horror stories, and a lot of emphases is put on freshmen' move-in day. Many colleges actually require first-year students to live in dorms.
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There are a variety of dorm types—from the cramped two-person room to the even more cramped three-person, from doubles that have a bit more space to even bigger rooms that might have a private bathroom. Some students love the hustle and bustle that comes with close living arrangements. Dorms are a great way to make new friends with your hall-mates, as oftentimes floors will arrange special events like a movie or craft nights.
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Living off Campus
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Typically by junior or senior year, students are ready to put a little bit of distance between themselves and the heart of campus. It’s great to get involved and engage in the first few years, but when you’ve been at college for a while you’re likely already in a few orgs or clubs.
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Off-campus housing—whether houses or apartments—offer a sort of buffer zone between you and the ever-lively campus. This can help with focusing on studies rather than dealing with loud people or concerts. Having a more private living arrangement can reduce stress and gives you more space to lay out your things.
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Of course, there are leases to sign, utilities to pay, and roomie rent money to keep track of. All the same, the freedom may be worth it.
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Living at Home
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If you’re going to college close to home, why not live at home? This option can save you big bucks where room and board, utilities, and rent would gouge your wallet. Of course, Mom and Dad might ask you to do some extra chores around the house and have you be responsible for your own laundry now, but it’s a valid option all the same.
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Living at home might mean you have an extra commute to campus, so having a car, working out a bike path, or taking the bus will be important factors to work out. But hey, at least at home you know the rules and you probably get your own room.