College can be a transformative time in one’s life. In addition to being exposed to a bevy of new concepts and ideas, many young people are tasked with living on their own for the first time. When searching for suitable lodgings, many college students opt for traditional dorm rooms. After all, they’re on campus, easy to get to and easy to find. However, dorm room living isn’t always the best option for newly-independent young people. As a growing number of college students are discovering, apartments have a wide variety of advantages over dorm rooms.
More Freedom
If you’re someone who values their personal space, dorm life may not be for you. For starters, most colleges and universities require residents to have at least one roommate. While some people function perfectly well with roommates, others find the experience stressful and hate having to consider how every move they make stands to affect the people they’re bunking with. On the flipside, having your own apartment ensures that you’ll have as much privacy as you desire. If you enjoy keeping odd hours and engaging in leisure activities late at night, you won’t have to worry about disturbing a roommate’s sleep patterns. Conversely, if you prefer to turn in early, you won’t have to worry about a night owl roommate keeping you awake. Privacy-loving students in the Cornhusker State will be pleased to learn that there are a wide range of affordable apartments for students
More Space
Most dorm rooms are not particularly large. Even dorms room designed for three or more occupants are barely larger than a mid-sized bedroom. Needless to say, this situation is hardly ideal for students who own a fair amount of possessions. If your personal belongings eat up a disproportionate amount of storage space, your roommates aren’t likely to be very understanding. However, a spacious one or two-bedroom apartment will provide you with ample space in which to store your clothing, electronics and any other personal effects.
More Privacy
Unsurprisingly, you’ll enjoy far more privacy when living by yourself than with roommates. For example, if you wish to have friends over or bring a date home, you won’t have to clear it with your roomies or worry about disturbing them with your noise. Additionally, having one’s own bathroom is preferable to sharing one with an entire dorm floor. This ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy complete privacy when bathing instead of showering alongside other dorm residents.
Living independently for the first time can be equal parts exciting and stress-inducing. After spending 18 years under your parents’ roof, forging your own path is liable to seem like an arduous undertaking. When striking out on your own, your first order of business should be finding a suitable place to live. While dorm rooms have long been considered the norm for college students, apartments are often a better option. Students weighing the pros and cons of dorm life would be wise to consider the pointers discussed above.
