Why Students Choose Residential Colleges Over Rentals
Get a warm coffee and let’s chat. Moving out for university is so overwhelming in the beginning. I sure remember packing my bags for my first semester. I was scared stiff! Would I really make any friends? What would I do with those classes early in the morning? Finding out where to stay is a huge pain.
Choosing between a private rental and a residential college is hard. You might think renting an apartment sounds fun and like it’s your own place. Your own bedroom. You can cook your own food. But renting is plenty stressful. You have to sign complicated leases. You have to pay huge utility bills. Finding reliable housemates is a big gamble.
Living on campus changed everything for me. It changed my whole university experience from day one. You walk into an incredibly supportive and lively world. You get so much more than just a small dorm room. Let’s shatter some myths and examine the actual benefits. And you’ll soon see why residential college life is awesome!
Built-in Community and Instant Friendship
As a young adult it is ridiculously hard to make friends. Campus living instantly fixes this stressful problem. There are hundreds of bustling people around you all the time. They’re all studying, living like you.” The energy is always buzzing and so inviting.
You don’t have to eat dinner alone. There is always someone to hang out with. I met my best friends at a random trivia night event. “Common rooms are a great place to socialize. During the first few weeks keep your door propped open. People will drop in and say hello naturally friendly!
No Worries About Bills or Groceries
Budgeting for groceries and electricity bills is a huge stress. Living on campus takes that big worry away 100%. It’s one flat weekly fee & it includes absolutely everything. You get unlimited wifi, hot water and heating.
Renting means fighting with roommates about the electricity bill. College life means you just concentrate on your studies. Most places are also on a full catered meal plan. You get three hot meals each day. The dining halls have amazing food! I used to have the best roast chicken and fresh salads every day.” No more scrubbing dirty pans and pots.
Tutorials and Academic Assistance
Studying at university takes serious concentration and commitment. Living on campus means you are right in the academic action. Steps away from the sprawling university libraries. It is very easy to form smart study groups. Just walk down the hall and ask a neighbor. Nice.
Statistics show that students who live on campus tend to get much better grades. The academic support built in is truly unmatched. You have free tutoring programs and great peer mentoring. Older students are always there to help out. Take advantage of the quiet study rooms in your college. These are great for writing long essays without being distracted!
Safety & 24/7 Support System
Feeling safe at home is absolutely necessary. Universities are very serious about the security of students. They provide round-the-clock protection for everyone. The residential buildings always need secure swipe cards to get in. You feel totally safe walking home alone late at night.
These colleges will also give amazing pastoral care. Every floor of the building has resident advisors. They are older students and they help you through uni life. If you are feeling homesick they are always there for a chat. You have this huge safety net underneath you. Save the campus security number in your phone now. You can also use their free safety escort service!
Location and Cutting Out Commutes
To live in the traffic of the city is a nightmare. You don’t want to spend hours stuck on a crowded bus. Living on campus gives you your precious time back, right away. You wake up ten minutes before your morning lecture. Eat a quick breakfast. Then you just walk through the gorgeous campus grounds.
My friend Sarah saved 10+ hours per week. She completely escaped the tiresome daily commute. What can you do with all that extra time! Sleep in, hit the gym, or study longer. Try to schedule your classes back-to-back. You can pop back to your room for a little nap whenever you like!
Leadership and Personal Growth Opportunities
Residential colleges are fantastic places to beef up your resume. You can stand for the student committee. You could hold huge charity events. You may even be a resident adviser. These are good roles to learn leadership skills.
Employers absolutely love this sort of involvement! This shows that you are proactive and very organized. You will manage budgets and plan major events. In renting a private apartment, the special opportunities do not exist. College is really a place where you can grow as a person.
Connect and Network with Alumni
After graduation your network is your greatest asset. Residential colleges have large networks of successful alumni. These former students really love helping out current residents. They come back often for special networking dinners. You can meet with CEOs, politicians and brilliant scientists easily.
I got my first internship through a college alumni connection. It was a complete game-changer for my career. You get to develop relationships with people from all walks of life. The friends you make now will become your professional network later on. Private rentals simply don’t have this built-in advantage.
Social Events & Organized Activities
The college social calendar is brimming with fun things to do. You can participate in movie nights and inter-college sports. There are also fancy formal dinners and theme parties. Don’t need to plan anything. We have a committee that does all the fun stuff for you.
It’s really easy to balance studying and social life. “You just show up and have fun.” Rowing? Debate? Curious? Come and be a part of the college team! You get to represent your home and make some great memories. These fun experiences will make your years at university truly unforgettable.
Easy Moving
Moving into private rental is a pain in the neck. You’ll have to buy expensive furniture and appliances. You pay a massive bond up front. Then you will have to connect power and internet yourself. It takes weeks to finally settle in.
“It is so beautifully easy to get into a college. Your room is already furnished. A comfy bed and study desk is waiting for you. The internet is already connected and super-fast. You just unpack your suitcases and begin to live. It takes all the huge stress out of moving away from home.
Incredible Health and Wellbeing Support
University can certainly take a toll on your mental health. Exams can be stressful and assignments can add up quickly. Residential colleges prioritise student wellbeing. They have counselors on site that are dedicated. They hold regular wellness workshops and fun yoga sessions.
There is someone to assist you when you are ill. Warm soup will be delivered to your room from the kitchen. You don’t get to fend for yourself. The staff really care about your physical and mental health. This is an amazing support system that is worth gold.
Frequently Asked Question
Do I have to share the room?
Most residential colleges provide students with private, single bedrooms. You get your own space to study and sleep in. Some older buildings may have shared bathrooms down the hall. Many of the newer colleges have their own ensuite bathrooms. Review the specific room choices at your university of choice.
Can you study in a college or is it too noisy?
Absolutely not! Colleges are pretty strict about quiet hours during the week. They are especially strict on noise curfews at exam time. You also get access to amazing quiet study rooms. If someone is loud you can call the RA. They respond quickly and fairly to noise complaints.
Can I stay over the university holidays?
This is entirely dependent on your particular college contract. Some contracts cover the entire academic year including short breaks. Some want you to move out over the long summer break. Talk to the admissions team about your particular holiday requirements. If you need to stay longer, many colleges provide flexible extensions.
Choosing the right uni life
Living on campus is a really good choice. You are making lifelong friends instantly and you have incredible convenience. The whole experience sets you up for total academic success. I loved every minute of my time there.
You absolutely deserve an amazing university experience! Check your university accommodation site today. Schedule your personalized campus tour today! Stroll through the dining halls and browse the rooms. You will instantly fall in love with the vibrant lifestyle.