Manchester University off-campus living for students – an observation

Posted on July 27, 2010


If the prospect of living off campus sounds slightly scary, here are a few reassuring reasons as to why living off campus is better than living on campus.

Choice

One of the biggest advantages of living off campus is being able to choose where you want to live. You have the freedom to choose how close to university campus you would like to live, freedom to choose who you would like to live with and freedom to pick kind of atmosphere you would like to live in. It also comes with a sense of self-fulfillment because you have the responsibility of keeping and maintaining your own flat.

Practicality

Another benefit of living off-campus is quite practical:  space. If you’re getting comfortable and plan to have a long stay at the university then you may want to bring some of your personal or private belongings with you. In a dorm, typically, there can be anywhere from 2-4 people in very limited and cramped space. If you have a TV, stereo, and a laptop and so do each of your roommates you will be stacking electronics in the corner of the room to try and make space for everything. Living off campus gives you a choice of a full size property where you can live a less cramped lifestyle and not find yourself using the stereo that you brought from home as a footstool.

Rules

If you live off-campus there aren’t nearly as many rules that you will have to follow in comparison to on-campus. Residence halls require you to oblige with the rules and standards of the school. While these rules are often designed for the protection of the residents within the halls they also limit your options and freedoms. You are truly independent and you set your own rules and requirements.

Privacy

You have far better privacy in comparison to what you would receive if you were to live on-campus. Communal bathrooms in halls tend to be such a nightmare with morning queues and being compelled to wear flip flops. Not forgetting that no one ever wants to clean. This is also the case with kitchens and common rooms. There’s also something unpleasant about 2am parties when you have a final the following day.

Responsibility

One of the biggest benefits of living off campus is the sense of responsibility gained. Learning how to manage your own utility suppliers, rents and property paperwork are all valuable skills for life. They set you up for another scary prospect. ADULTHOOD. Unfortunately we don’t have a guide for that.

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