Living in dorms is one of the quintessential university experiences. It is where many students have independence for the first time and learn what it is like to live away from home. However, it is also romanticised and not everyone enjoys living in a university residence.

In fact, there are a number of reasons to consider going a different route. But are there any good alternatives?

Let’s first take a look at the pros and cons of dorm life.

Pro: Immersive experience

Some students spend as little time on campus as possible. They attend lectures and tutorials and turn up for exams. At all other times, they are at home or elsewhere. This may work for them, and they may leave university with an excellent education.

But formal education is not where all the university learning happens. University can be transformative for students because they are spending time with diverse people, learning more about the world than they got a chance to in the confines of school. Staying in dorms, you get an immersive experience of university, exploring yourself in a brand new environment.

Con: Trying to focus

On the other hand, being in that environment all the time can make it difficult to study. You may have roommates who do not respect your personal space, or who always convince you to go out partying. You are surrounded by young people who want to have fun, and it can be hard to turn down the opportunity.

Pro: Cheap accommodation

Staying at home with your parents is the only guaranteed way to save money on accommodation. But if your university is far from your family home or you simply want more independence, dorm life is the cheapest option. You get everything you need at a subsidized price. It is not glamorous, but it can be fairly comfortable.

Con: Limited personal space

However, having such limited personal space can get in the way of your personal growth. Maybe you want to cook meals every night or work out after lectures. Maybe you want to grow a small herb garden. In a dorm room, you have space only for your basic needs.

Pro: No other costs

Living in the dorms is not only cheap because of the low cost of accommodation. You are also free from having to pay for petrol or transport, electricity, and water. You are also free from having to pay for renters insurance coverage. Renters insurance covers your possessions when you are a tenant on someone else’s property. When signing up to live at university dorms, ask about what their insurance covers.

Con: Burnout

Being on campus all the time can provide the type of university experience you are looking for. It is perfect for many students, with everything they need taken care of. However, for others, it can start to feel overwhelming. Instead of coming home after lectures, you stay on campus or in a residence owned by the school. You never quite leave, and that can lead to burnout.

Are there alternatives?

The most realistic alternative for most young students is to stay with their families. This way, they can live off campus while saving money on accommodation.

For those who want to live independently, renting an apartment is the best option. There are many students who look for roommates who they can share rentals with. This minimises the cost of rent, which may be too high to pay for alone.

As mentioned, there are other expenses that come along with this. You have to find your way to campus every day, paying for petrol or transport. You have to pay for your own electricity and internet. You also have to take care of your renters insurance.

This is a good way to prepare for life after graduation, as you get to experience living independently. However, it is not cost effective for many students.

There are definitely pros to living in dorms, while the drawbacks may ruin it for some. If you are looking to leave home and gain independence, however, it may be the most realistic option. Give it a try for a semester, or search for other students looking to share an apartment.