The international students who will be going to college can experience one of the most transformational experiences of their life. It has the potential to be the most exciting time in the students’ life. During this transition period, students will discover what true independence is. All this, and much more, will be all up to them and also with a little preparation and planning, their time period of study at their new university will be a cakewalk and also One of the most important decisions students will have to make is deciding between staying in on-campus and off-campus accommodations. Each option has its own sets of pros and cons and so students should weigh up their options so that they can make an informed decision regarding their accommodations.

If the student is in the first year of college, chances are that the university will require them to stay at their on-campus university halls of residence. Even though it can make students feel like they don’t have an option but staying on-campus for their first year is actually a great choice. Staying on-campus helps to ease their transition into college life, specifically if they are international students. Besides On-campus accommodation is also ideal for students who want some structure and have never lived away from home before during their study period. Though Independence can be hindered due to the existence of Resident Assistants (RA), mandatory study as well as quiet hours, curfews and set mealtimes, and disciplined lifestyle.

Benefits of staying on-campus

• Distance from class –

Student accommodation: On-Campus vs Off-Campus accommodation

When students are living on-campus, then they can just roll out of bed and make it to class on time. This also helps cut down on transportation costs for students which otherwise incurred while traveling from home to university.

• All-inclusive utility bills –

Commonly on-campus accommodations provide all-inclusive utility bills that include the cost of gas, water, electricity, cable, and much more stuff. International students also have the option to pay for accommodations every month or everything upfront, all depending on the university they study.

• Fully furnished rooms –

On-Campus Accommodation

A significant perk of on-campus accommodation is that it comes fully stacked that is fully furnished. Students can expect a desk & chair, a twin bed, and a dresser or armoire. All they will be needing is clothes and decor so as to give personalization to their room.

• Socialization –

For the first-year students who are eager to break the ice and make new friends, the international students will have plenty of opportunities to socialize. Most of the universities take the initiative to make students feel at home by organizing various activities like movie-night, rec rooms, communal dinner, and a whole lot more activities for fun and interaction.

Off-campus accommodation

There are of course perks to choosing off-campus accommodation for first-year international students. Still, off-campus accommodations are best suited for international students already who are used to living on their own and have their own sense of life. Off-campus student accommodations like Purpose Built Student Accommodations have many perks including being absolved from paying council tax. Also With the cost of accommodation commanding a huge chunk of students’ budget, not having to pay council tax can be a lifesaver. Also Due to the rapid popularity of PBSAs, off-campus accommodations aren’t the way they used to be. As of now, international students can expect a range of amenities as well as incomparable service from the latest off-campus student accommodation properties.

Benefits of staying off-campus

• More independence –

Basically, At off-campus accommodations, international students say goodbye to Resident Assistants (RAs) telling them what to do, curfews, and fixed mealtimes. Students can come and go as they please as the degree of independence is much more at an off-campus accommodation than at an on-campus accommodation.

• Utilities are often a part of your rent –

Commonly off-campus student accommodation properties have the cost of utilities included in student’s monthly rent. This means the cost of water, electricity, gas, cable, security, Wi-Fi, etc. is a part of their lease. This goes a long way while budgeting themselves as it gives you a small leeway into saving money. 

• Fully-furnished rooms – Off-Campus

With the PBSA landscape getting incredibly competitive, properties try their best to stand apart from the rest of the competition. This explains that rooms decked with world-class furniture and coupled with hotel-like service. Also, The cost of living here is on-par if not more than on-campus accommodation, making PBSAs a no-brainer so that international students can also choose to decorate their room in any way they like so as to give their room some personal touch.

• Privacy –

Mostly the common pro of living off-campus is privacy. Students can use to stay alone in a studio room or rent an apartment with a fellow student. Staying off-campus gives students a break from the sharing of bathrooms, living with fellow students, and spending time in communal areas. Also, Students who operate best while being left to their own should definitely consider off-campus student accommodations.

• Different room types – Off-Campus accommodation:

Most commonly off-campus accommodations, students will be spoilt for their choices. Students can choose from 3 broad categories of rooms such as suite rooms, studio rooms, and apartments according to their needs. 

• A host of amenities – Off-Campus

Basically, off-campus student accommodation is getting very competitive. So property managers have started new amenities like a swimming pool, coffee bars, outdoor grills, breakfast on the go, car parking in addition to common amenities like communal area, study spaces, bike storage, and gyms, etc.

 Thus International students should search for their ideal accommodation from the extensive types of properties that match their exact requirements.