I’m wondering if anyone has information or experiences related to living in an off-campus apartment the first year. If my calculations are right, the dorms end up costing about $1800+ a month, and perhaps there are cheaper and nicer options off campus? I believe there are some apartment buildings that rent only to students. Is this a good thing for a freshman or will the student be isolated? Thanks.
Yeah, dorms are about $1800+ a month. All I know is that Riverside is fairly cheap compared to Orange County & LA. I remember looking at houses in Jurupa Valley (Mira Loma, so it’s not exactly Riverside) and it was still really cheap. I live near Riverside. Jurupa Valley is a new city and the houses there are really brand new but also cheap if you compare it to surrounding neighborhoods, so I believe Riverside is in the same price range.
I think apartments in general are nicer than dorms in terms of the appearance and space. Much spacier, you get privacy in your own bathroom, kitchen, dining space. Only thing you have to worry about is cooking everyday unless you live close enough to bring food from home every week. And not to mention it won’t be as socially engaging if you live in an apartment. If you’re thinking of finding a few other people to live with, then I don’t think it’d be much of an issue to find new friends. Dorms are generally meant to help freshman assimilate into their college culture and environment better. But an off campus apartment would be way cheaper by several hundred dollars. And if you split the rent between a few people, the monthly pay goes down even more.
I think the choice is really up to you though. If being socially active throughout the year is a necessity for you, stick with the dorms. Personally, I feel like you’re paying for an experience you can never have once you’re older. It’s a huge investment for people who can’t afford dorms or don’t have enough grants to cover for it, but think of it like paying for a $16000 car.
@selfconfidentgal - thanks so much for your thoughts!!
Anytime!! Feel free to message me if you have any other questions that need some general opinions.
Transportation, safety would be a consideration, less involvement on campus. Also cooking/shopping when just starting college, would depend on maturity of student.