The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 Reasons why students should not live on campus
The results are in, your uni place is sorted, and you’re all geared up to head out into the world of tertiary education. The only major decision left is your choice of student accommodation. Deciding between on-campus and off-campus living is personal to each student, and there is no one right answer. Every student will have a different perspective based on their own experiences or expectations. Many students fall into the trap of thinking that living on-campus equates to an amazing university experience – but the reality often tells a different story. Here’s 5 good reasons why on-campus living may not be for you.
1. The expense
On-campus student accommodation usually offers the choice between fully-catered residential colleges, or self-catering University accommodation. It can be a pretty pricey choice, with students paying hefty rents for the privilege of a campus location – climbing higher again with the fully-catered option. Here, students are financially locked in to three meals a day on site, which can be very limiting in terms of experiencing the world beyond student accommodation. The self-catering option is more affordable, but without one easy all-inclusive bill it can be difficult to keep the student budget under control. In addition to high rental costs, on-campus rooms are notoriously difficult to come by with rooms extremely limited and hard fought over.
Consider: Look for share houses further afield to minimise rental costs.
2. Room types
Many on-campus university rooms are small with limited facilities, which doesn’t provide the most optimal study environment for the modern student. The rooms tend to be located in older-style buildings, and are more likely to have shared bathrooms. This is fine for students who aren’t bothered about having access to private bathroom facilities, and are happy with less personal space. If you are concerned about hygiene or simply want to avoid awkward bathroom encounters with your fellow students, on-campus accommodation is not the best option.
Consider: Purpose-Built Student accommodation such as Iglu offers en-suite bathroom options at all locations.
3. Cooking and food options
Part of the fun of being a student is starting out on that journey to independent living. It’s as much about the academics, as it is about learning to think and act for yourself – whether that’s to do with study organisation, socialising, or completing daily tasks. The kitchen is an important part of that experience. Many students use this time away as an opportunity to learn cooking skills, meet new friends around the prep table, or bond with housemates over a new recipe. Small kitchens simply aren’t conducive to this formative experience. Students living on-campus usually have to commit to the catered meals, or cook alone in small kitchens – ultimately missing out on a rite of passage.
Consider: Always check that the menu choices are sufficient and compatible with your food taste.
4. Missing out on Australian life
Living off-campus is the perfect opportunity to discover a new location and experience some of the real Australia outside of the student environment. Students who spend all their time studying and living on campus risk missing out on local suburbs, meeting local people and learning more about the Australian culture. It can also encourage lazy social behaviour, where students don’t mix beyond their immediate environment. Students who have to travel even a small distance to uni already have a wider perspective on Australian life – and are more likely to reap the benefits.
Consider: Living off-campus is a perfect springboard to explore the rest of the city and beyond.
5. Inflexible contracts
On-campus uni accommodation is usually restricted to the academic semester, which makes it difficult for students that need more flexible options. Your lease will begin and end with the university schedule – whereas off-campus accommodation works to your specific needs. PBSA buildings are particularly flexible as they accommodate students from all different universities. Many international students need to stay in Australia over certain holiday periods, arrive before term starts – or leave later than planned. You have more control over your living situation right from the start.
Consider: Changing uni while living off-campus will not affect your accommodation. If you’re living on-campus, you could be subject to penalties.
