When preparing to go to college there are many important decisions to be made. One of which being possible living situations. Other than living at home, students can live in either a dorm or an apartment. There are many components in making this choice. For example, the location, restrictions, space and privacy, and cost are extremely important components in this decision. Therefore, these components should be researched fully or as much as possible prior to deciding.
One component a student should consider when choosing a place to live is location. Dorms are typically located on campus whereas an apartment is usually off campus.
By living in a dorm, students are closer to their classes. Due to the proximity to their classes, there is a shorter …show more content…
In other words, students have a longer commute. Due to this, the student would likely have to drive, ride the bus, or bike to class. Even then, the commute is typically at least 5 minutes in a car, even without traffic.
Second, there are quite a few restrictions in dorms and apartments that contribute to the choice. These rules and regulations include what can and cannot be brought. In dorm rooms, there are many rules on what can and cannot be brought, such as appliances and decorations. For example, many college dorms prohibit things such as microwaves, toasters, and space heaters. In addition, they also prohibit anything that can put holes in the wall, such as tacks, nails, and screws. Apartments, on the other hand, typically do not prohibit anything unless it is considered …show more content…
The student should be able to afford the monthly or yearly payments and any additional expenses and fees. These additional costs can include furniture, transportation, and parking fees. On average, a dorm cost around $8900 for an academic year. Payment of a dorm room is typically paid all at once in the beginning of the year. In contrast, in an apartment, rather than paying all at once, the payments are monthly. For example, in Tucson a one-bedroom apartment’s cost averages around $570 monthly, translating to roughly $6800 annually. Neither of these approximate prices include any additional fees such as parking and other bills.
Many colleges have parking fees that can range anywhere from $40 to upwards of $2000 each semester depending on the campus’s location. In an apartment, there is rarely a parking fee unless the parking is covered. In addition, when living in a dorm, bills such as electricity and water are including in the overall payment. However, in an apartment, the student typically must pay for these