<p>I applied late to my number 1 choice. And housing right now is very questionable. I'm worried about living off campus and working to cover the cost. I'm hoping to not work my freshmen year, but I might have to if I have to live off campus for rent and food. Right now my family's (Me&my mother) Fin. situation is terrible. She works less hours before of carpal tunnel and she discussed with my grandmother that she might be selling our house if they dont place her on regular hours again within the next two months. Sooooo...
If she does sell our house she well be able to help with expenses in college but if she doesn't. I'm not sure if she will since my EFC last year was 17000 that was terrible and now its 6635 and now its grim. But anyway, off housing campus not bad? or way better then dorms? Just curious because I don't know if I should apply for both or wait till I hear from campus housing but
It might be to late.</p>
<p>Whether or not living off campus is a good deal depends on your situation. For families who are paying full freight, they may feel that it is more cost effective to pay for off campus housing (remember even then, most students share houses with friends which help to defray part of the cost). If you are heavily dependent on financial aid, it may not be a good option for you because some schools will not make up the difference between living and off campus.</p>
<p>if your financial aid package includes room and board, at some schools if you doot live on campus, your financial aid package is adjusted and the money for room and board is removed from your aid package.</p>
<p>Living off campus varies from place to place. There are start up cost involved as most places ask for students to may a month's security deposit in addition to first month's rent (which you will have to pay in cash or check. this could cause a crimp if you are looking to borrow money to pay this expense because your loan funds may not come until months later and the rent still needs to be paid). </p>
<p>You must also take into consideration the other incremental cost involved with living off campus as opposed to living in the dorms (utilities, setting up house- dishes, pots, pans, etc) and you must come up with the $$ to pay for this. If your financial situation is precarious, then you may not exactly be the best candidate to be living off campus. If you really need housing then you should apply for housing.</p>