Time to Compare
On/Off Campus Housing

What type of housing is right for you? This comparison chart highlights the advantages and disadvantages of your housing options. Take a minute to identify the features that are most important to your decision. Then download our fill-in-the-blank housing comparision worksheet and take it with you as you shop for a place to live.

On-Campus Housing			Off-Campus Housing
1.	No security deposit.		1.	Security deposit is typically equivalent to 1½ months rent.
2.	Academic year and 12 month contracts available.		2.	Leases are often for twelve months; subletting is an option but often leads to problems.
3.	Contracts can be terminated when students are not enrolled.		3.	Leases are nearly impossible to break under any circumstance.
4.	Conflicts with roommates can be resolved with help from our supportive, in-hall advisory staff.		4.	When it comes to difficulties with housemates, you must resolve conflicts on your own.
5.	Live solo, choose your own roommate or let us assign a roommate for you. In any case, room and board costs are strictly between you and the University.		5.	Leases on properties that house multiple students are often held by one individual who is then responsible for the rent and security deposits of all the other tenants.
6.	Utilities are included in room and board. Cable tv is automatically included and is billed separately, but may be cancelled.		6.	Utilities to be included in the rent vary from landlord to landlord. Tenants are often responsible for electric, gas, basic telephone service, cable TV and/or water in addition to their rent.
7.	All residence hall rooms are fully furnished.		7.	Rental properties close to campus are sometimes furnished. This may or may not impact the rental rate.
8.	A variety of meal plans save time and provide convenient, in-hall dining.		8.	You can shop, cook and clean up...or make it easy on yourself and take advantage of a convenient University Housing meal plan.
9.	Fix-it services are available 24/7 to make repairs to air conditioners, plumbing, heating, etc.		9.	Maintenance of the property is provided at the discretion of the landlord.
10.	There are no fees for application or cleaning.		10.	Many landlords charge application and cleaning fees.
11.	Living in the res halls frees you from the added pressures of cooking, shopping, dirty dishes, and monthly bills so you can focus on being your very best.		11.	Apartment living comes with many added responsibilities that can take valuable time away from academics.
12.	Intentional activities help create community and provide opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.		12.	Limited opportunities to meet new people can make it difficult to stay connected or to be actively involved in campus life.
	We have hundreds of rooms and apartments to choose from. Show me!			There are hundreds of houses and apartments to choose from (with many of the best deals available in the spring and summer months). Where do I begin?