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3 Reasons to Choose Off-Campus Housing this Fall
July 14, 2021
How to Adult Tip #1: Grab Some Friends and Rent Off-Campus this Fall
Once the summer weans, the weather cools, and our days shorten, you’ll want to revel in your hard-earned rest right before the start of the semester. Before you know it, start dates will creep up and your focus will shift from presentations to classwork. Thankfully, you can include campus fun and outings with friends in your focus.
For the upcoming semester, colleges and universities around the country announced their intentions to open their campuses to in-person activities following strictly adhered social distancing, vaccination, and COVID-19 tracking guidelines and policies . These activities include in-person classes, on-campus dorm living, and in-person clubs. According to an article from The US News, “many schools are powering forward” with the hopes of returning to pre-pandemic activity.
We at Bluesky Living recommend students take every precaution when it comes to a safe return to school. That includes getting vaccinated and maintaining good hygiene. Remember, not everyone who returns to college this year will be fully vaccinated, so colleges will still need to abide by CDC Guidelines to ensure testing and record transmission rates remain low.
That being said, the chance to see friends, take part in dorm life, and learn in a classroom are exciting prospects. Dorm life is an integral part of freshman and sophomore year, so you may be wondering: should I live on campus again, or what other options do I have? Let’s explore the benefits of living off-campus.
Keep in mind, however, your school’s housing policy may include rules regarding the forfeiture of on-campus housing. Some colleges make it harder for you to return to on-campus housing if you decide to opt out. So be sure to balance out the pro and cons before you submit your application.
Let’s explore three key pros of living on campus. Renting through a private owner has its pros, including price savings, choice, and more.
If your college or university is situated within a major metropolitan city, you’ll want to take full advantage of that city’s offerings. Restaurants, bars, shops, local neighborhood artwork, and access to mass transit are just a few of these amenities you wouldn’t have on-campus. We recommend finding a rental near to your school, but not so close that you’re surrounded by students and faculty. It’s important to take in the local experience.
While the location is surely important, availability is another factor to consider. On-campus housing is available for the full academic year. However, that means right before your summer break, you’ll be scrambling to find a new residence for a short time that will house you for an internship. If your summer internship or job is likely to be in the same city as your school, then consider a rental with a full-year lease option to avoid the headache of the apartment hunt.
Did you know the average NYC monthly grocery bill is $470 per person? Yeah.
Like most life lessons learned during young adulthood, the need to fend for yourself is a hard one to learn when you compound responsibilities like a job, food, and children. However, with the safety net of having student dependencies (as opposed to those relating to a full-time job), this time of your life is the best time to learn important lessons around basic financing and budgeting.
Renting from a private landlord offers the chance to build your credit history. While you may need the help of a cosigner or guarantor for your first apartment, that means the other party (in addition to yourself) is responsible for meeting rental payments on time. Cosigners or guarantors could be a parent, relative, or friend with good credit history.
While few landlords report missed or on-time rental payments to credit bureaus, those that do will impact your credit history. In fact, paying rent on time helps build your credit score and vice versa. If you know you’re a responsible person, it’s something to ask your prospective landlord or management company. Why not take advantage of the chance to build good credit?
When you do search for an apartment with friends, ensure everyone’s name is on the lease. This avoids the problem of being the only one listed as a responsible party for payments. While on-campus housing costs are fixed as part of a loan program, estimated based on the market prices of living costs, off-campus housing costs occur as problems arise.
Having multiple roommates on the lease ensures all parties are held responsible for any costs with appliances, issues with the apartment unit, and more. It’s worth noting, however, that with private residences, you’re often given new or refurbished amenities, unlikely to break during your residence.
Bluesky Living offers a wide range of off-campus housing options to Fordham University students. Closeness to campus, no broker fees, shared study spaces, rooftop lounges, and high-level security. Check out our rentals at blueskyliving.nyc or call (718) 766-7080.
For the upcoming semester, colleges and universities around the country announced their intentions to open their campuses to in-person activities following strictly adhered social distancing, vaccination, and COVID-19 tracking guidelines and policies . These activities include in-person classes, on-campus dorm living, and in-person clubs. According to an article from The US News, “many schools are powering forward” with the hopes of returning to pre-pandemic activity.
We at Bluesky Living recommend students take every precaution when it comes to a safe return to school. That includes getting vaccinated and maintaining good hygiene. Remember, not everyone who returns to college this year will be fully vaccinated, so colleges will still need to abide by CDC Guidelines to ensure testing and record transmission rates remain low.
That being said, the chance to see friends, take part in dorm life, and learn in a classroom are exciting prospects. Dorm life is an integral part of freshman and sophomore year, so you may be wondering: should I live on campus again, or what other options do I have? Let’s explore the benefits of living off-campus.
Can a College Student Rent an Apartment?
If you’re an upperclassman (junior or senior undergraduate) or a graduate student, you have the option to choose off-campus housing. This includes housing provided by your university or the option to forgo dorm living altogether. This essentially translates to renting an apartment from a private owner.Keep in mind, however, your school’s housing policy may include rules regarding the forfeiture of on-campus housing. Some colleges make it harder for you to return to on-campus housing if you decide to opt out. So be sure to balance out the pro and cons before you submit your application.
The Benefits of Living Off-Campus vs On-Campus
Let’s explore three key pros of living on campus. Renting through a private owner has its pros, including price savings, choice, and more.
- Centrality & Flexibility
If your college or university is situated within a major metropolitan city, you’ll want to take full advantage of that city’s offerings. Restaurants, bars, shops, local neighborhood artwork, and access to mass transit are just a few of these amenities you wouldn’t have on-campus. We recommend finding a rental near to your school, but not so close that you’re surrounded by students and faculty. It’s important to take in the local experience.
While the location is surely important, availability is another factor to consider. On-campus housing is available for the full academic year. However, that means right before your summer break, you’ll be scrambling to find a new residence for a short time that will house you for an internship. If your summer internship or job is likely to be in the same city as your school, then consider a rental with a full-year lease option to avoid the headache of the apartment hunt.
- Independence & Financial Responsibility
Did you know the average NYC monthly grocery bill is $470 per person? Yeah.
Like most life lessons learned during young adulthood, the need to fend for yourself is a hard one to learn when you compound responsibilities like a job, food, and children. However, with the safety net of having student dependencies (as opposed to those relating to a full-time job), this time of your life is the best time to learn important lessons around basic financing and budgeting.
Renting from a private landlord offers the chance to build your credit history. While you may need the help of a cosigner or guarantor for your first apartment, that means the other party (in addition to yourself) is responsible for meeting rental payments on time. Cosigners or guarantors could be a parent, relative, or friend with good credit history.
While few landlords report missed or on-time rental payments to credit bureaus, those that do will impact your credit history. In fact, paying rent on time helps build your credit score and vice versa. If you know you’re a responsible person, it’s something to ask your prospective landlord or management company. Why not take advantage of the chance to build good credit?
- Additional Choices
When you do search for an apartment with friends, ensure everyone’s name is on the lease. This avoids the problem of being the only one listed as a responsible party for payments. While on-campus housing costs are fixed as part of a loan program, estimated based on the market prices of living costs, off-campus housing costs occur as problems arise.
Having multiple roommates on the lease ensures all parties are held responsible for any costs with appliances, issues with the apartment unit, and more. It’s worth noting, however, that with private residences, you’re often given new or refurbished amenities, unlikely to break during your residence.
Bluesky Living offers a wide range of off-campus housing options to Fordham University students. Closeness to campus, no broker fees, shared study spaces, rooftop lounges, and high-level security. Check out our rentals at blueskyliving.nyc or call (718) 766-7080.
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The Evolution of Student Housing
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Choosing the right place to live while studying at Fordham University matters. Living in Bronx apartments near the campus offers more than just a short commute. It's a chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant community, surround yourself with local culture, and break free from the bubble of on-campus life. Bronx living doesn't just put you close to your classes. It introduces you to eclectic eateries, cool hangouts, and green spaces where you can relax or hit the books outdoors. Plus, living in the Bronx means you get to tap into the pulse of an authentic New York neighborhood, rich with history and bursting with life. Welcoming students into its fold, the Bronx is not just a place to crash — it becomes a part of your university story.
Contact
718.766.7080
hey@blueskyliving.nyc
