Things To Consider Before Choosing Your Off-campus Student Living Companion

There is a general consensus that living in campus hostels and dormitories can be quite hectic. Clogged drains, loud neighbors, crowded hallways and small cubicles are enough to make you want to move to off campus apartments. Sharing an off campus apartment is a great way to save money while getting the space and peace of mind that you need but who should you take along with you? The following are some things to consider when choosing which friends to live with off campus:

Companionship

One of the best reasons for living with friends off campus is that you will rarely get lonely. You always have someone to talk to and share your problems with. You learn to share, compromise things and socialize even when you least feel like it. They will also keep you in the loop of campus news and activities you should know of.

Compromise

Compromise is a big part of living in close quarters with your friends. Are you ready to make the sacrifices of living with your friends? Are you willing to adapt to changes in your lifestyle? What if you are the clean freak and your housemate really doesn’t mind a pile of dirty dishes in the sink? You will need to make a lot of living adjustments when you decide to share an apartment with a friend. You may have to rethink your standards a bit. One thing that could work is setting up house rules and a chore list that includes all the ideas of each housemate so there is a give and take for all parties involved.

Privacy

If you are moving out of campus hostels because it is too crowded, is it going to be a good idea living with a friend? What if your friend is a social bird who loves having plenty of company over? You may notice a bunch of habits from your friends that you had not realized before when you start living with them. You can choose to get an apartment with separate rooms and shared living room and kitchen. But the house rules should also cover issues of parties or bringing over company.

Friend or stranger

Living with a friend can build serious interaction issues that you need to be wary off. For the lucky ones, you may end up doing great and becoming closer than you were before. Unfortunately, in some cases, you may find your worst pet peeves are your friend’s favorite things to do! What if they like squeezing the toothpaste from the middle of the tube, leave the peanut butter jar open or snore? If you do not want to end up ruining your relationship, you should consider living with a stranger. It could be better to meet someone new and adapt to them than ending up with a sour friendship.

Finances

Sharing means saving but if you can afford to live on your own then by all means, get a single apartment. Sharing accommodation is not easy, especially for people who are protective of their personal space and value having some alone time.