<p>Basically, I really really hate living in the dorms. I have to wake up at 6AM three times a week, and usually can't fall asleep until 1:30 or 2 because of the morons running up and down the hallway, laughing/talking obnoxiously, and just being generally rude. Even during the day, people have their music blaring which makes it nearly impossible to get any work done. </p>
<p>At any rate, I have to put in my deposit for housing by the end of this week and I'm seriously considering just renting a room off campus in somebody's house or renting an entire house if I can get enough people together. My question is, should I just deal with the dorms for another year and move off when I'm a junior? My mom is worried that I won't be as involved with campus life. I think that's a little silly since I already am very involved. I'm not even in my dorm room most of the day. For anyone moved off campus freshman year, are you happy with your decision? Do you have any general tips for somebody living off campus?</p>
<p>Depends on the norms of your school. At mine it’s considered kind of lame to live in the dorms after freshman year. I signed a lease for my apartment for next year back in October. But some schools have more of a dorm life than mine does. If you hate living in the dorms with a passion, it never hurts to look, regardless of the norms. Often dorms are really overpriced so you could find something cheaper and more private.</p>
<p>And hey, if all your friends are in the dorms next year but you’ve got an apartment or house, you’ll be party central :)</p>
<p>First thing that I thought of when I read the title was “depends on the school” and that’s still my answer.
Next year, as a sophomore, I’m moving off campus but at my school “off campus” means the apartment right across the street from the classes or from the dorms. It’s a city school so there are on-campus housing options that aren’t ran through the school, so they’re considered “off campus”.
Suburban/rural schools where you have to drive off-campus to campus? Depends on what other sophomores do. Do what most do, cause that’s obviously what works. Most kids leave campus? Okay, and they’re still social and active on campus. Most kids stay? Alright, obviously leaving means less involvement.</p>
<p>I’m moving off campus next year, and I’ll be a sophomore. We’re required to live on campus freshman year but I don’t know too many people who are choosing to stay next year too. Plus, I’m not involved on campus at all really, and I’ll be living with my best friends. So the social aspect doesn’t really matter to me.</p>
<p>If you really hate the dorms, I don’t see why you shouldn’t move off campus. Personally, I would try to find a few other people to rent a house with.</p>
<p>My school has a huge apartment complex on campus, and I’ll probably be living there next year. The price of a single is a little bit more than the typical apartment around here, but all utilities are included, so whatever. Plus they’re actually quite nice and safe, unlike many of the apartments off campus.</p>