Studenthood is one of the most anticipated stages of life for almost every young person. Higher education institutions open the world of freedom, independence, and self-identification. The choice of a school influences the whole upcoming life, defining its path and surrounding. However, student life is not only about hitting the books days and nights, it’s a period of active growth regarding socialization. Therefore, apart from choosing the right institution, it’s equally important to choose the right place to live, as it's one of the fundamental parts of personality development. 

When deciding on the accommodation, students typically focus on a few essential options, and the final decision is a matter of priorities:

1. Price - often the most impactful component as it significantly increases the overall cost of an educational “kit”. 
2. Proximity - spending hours commuting or living within walking distance from the lecture haven? Distance matters, especially if you are planning on having a part-time job. 
3. Comfort - a bustling campus, or a quiet student housing with like-minded students? The choice influences the quality of your education and communication with academic peers. 

Depending on the budget and preferences, there are a few options available, with each having its benefits and downsides. Let’s explore the three most common alternatives.

On-campus accommodation

Halls of residence are a type of accommodation offered by the educational institution. They are located on campus or very close to it. The students can stay in a single or shared room, with shared facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. Life in the halls of residence is often misinterpreted due to the movie-style image: endless parties, local societies, fraternities, sororities, and unstoppable fun with the breaks for exams. In reality, there are rules to follow, if you are willing to stay there. 

Advantages:

• Very close to the lectures. Your morning routine and lectures will be separated by a 10-15-minute walk. It saves time for studying, gives you a chance to sleep longer, and saves money for transport or fuel (in case you go by car). 
• “Peopley” place - campus is always active, its vibe and positivity are contagious and make everyone feel involved. If you are a new one to town, it’s a great chance to strike up new friendships and become a part of a team. 
• Co-curricular opportunities - if you are into sports, music, theatres, etc, as a rule, there is a great variety of options to choose from. Such activities will diversify your university life and improve your level of social recognition. 

Disadvantages:

• Distractive ambiance - while some may find all the hassle and bustle comforting, it may bring a great deal of distraction. Besides, introverts might struggle with the necessity to be among people all day long. 
• Lack of privacy - the campus is like a town, thus, almost everything is available to the public eye. 
• Rules - campus life is regulated by a set of rules. You either abide, or you are out. Were there no rules and conditions, the place would become chaos. 

Student Housing

Campus-like experience with a higher level of organization and comfort; a great alternative to campus life regarding price and overall convenience. Student housing is non-attached to a specific institution, yet it is always within easy reach, and they offer a range of locations to choose from. 

Advantages:

• Proximity - student housing is typically scattered around the cities, closer to the educational institution.
• Like-minded people - when renting a room at a student co-housing, you get to choose the ‘community’ to live with. Thus, people from one sphere will live in one house, sharing the same interests and creating strong professional bonds and networks for further cooperation. 
• Commodity - all the rooms are typically freshly-furnished, there is always a cleaning service taking care of the living space, and the utility payment is included in the price, thus, no need to worry about them. The topping of the list is the security system, as typically the territory is under surveillance, letting you feel safe and protected. 

Disadvantages

• Lower social involvement - by living off campus, you may miss the opportunity to join numerous parties and will struggle to become a member of their team. However, it’s rather an advantage for those who are not into all the partying stuff. 
• Lack of student vibe - campus air is full of excitement, knowledge, and communication. Some people want to enter the university just for being part of this unforgettable atmosphere. 

Staying at home

The students who are lucky enough to study in their hometown can benefit from staying in their comfort zone and dedicating all their free time to studying. 

Advantages:

• No worries - when students stay at home, they may perform a few duties, yet, they can fully be dedicated to studying. Basically, all the washing, cooking, and shopping can be done without their active participation. 
• Comfort zone - if a student is quite reserved and doesn’t like being a part of an active student movement, the homestay will be a good choice as it will help to preserve a comfort zone. 
• Smart money management - there is no need to spend money on rent, just chipping in for food and the bills (optional). 

Disadvantages:

• No independence - adolescence is just the best time to learn to grow. Rentals will require money and probably, a part-time job, yet you learn to be an adult, manage your finance, and make do with what you earn. 
• Time to commute - unlike student housing or life on campus, a commute can steal up to 3 hours per day, which is quite wasteful. 
• Control - even when staying at home you will have a desire to spend time at parties, hang out with new friends, etc. Yet, at home, you may still have a curfew and constant parental control. If you stay at their place you are expected to follow their rules without complaints.

The bottom line

Student life is the starting point of adulthood, and accommodation is a crucial part of it. If you are the life and soul of the party and want to be a particle of a huge community, on-campus accommodation is the best option for you. 

If you are on a very tight budget, the homestay will be a good idea, yet it’s better to outline the privacy rules with parents. If neither option is suitable, go for student housing, as it combines the best of two worlds: independence, affordability, and a sense of community, as you can have a small yet close circle of like-minded people, who can become a part of your professional growth.