I actually do not plan to live on campus. I start college in Prescott, Arizona this August, and my school is very small. We have very limited spaces for student housing, and the student houses I saw do not include a washer, dryer, or sometimes even a stove. They pack like eight people in a house, and the space is usually very tight. The spaces are also closed during break, which is not going to work for me since I live in NC right now.
I thought living off campus would be impossible to work out, what with rent and food and utilities. However, I found housing to be the least of my worries when it was all over. My college had a website dedicated to finding off-campus housing, and I found an amazing house being rented to only Prescott College students. The house had six bedrooms, a great kitchen and backyard, and a very homey feel. When I saw it a few weeks ago, I knew it was perfect. My rent is going to be $550/month, but that includes utilities and furnishings. I’ve met a few great potential roommates, and though it is going to cost me a bit more, I don’t regret my decision. The freedom that living off-campus is going to provide me is not something I would trade for an extra $50-$100/month, and being able to cook is very important to me.
If you plan to rent an off-campus house, my suggestion is to rent with other students. Living with a family or a single working adult can become tricky, as you then have to make compromises in the way you live to suit their preferences. By living with other students, you tend to think more alike. Try to find rentals that include utilities, and furnishing when possible. You do NOT need a ton of space, so don’t pay $650 or $700 just because you want a giant closet. Make sure you are comfortable with the location and the roommates, and being walking distance from the school is never a bad thing. We all have car troubles some days.