Hikergirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2016
Living off campus can definitely be a budget decision for some.
Even as a transfer student my dd was required to live on campus for her first year. She was required to have the meal plan as well, over $14,400 for that (and it will definitely be going up by at least $150 if history is any guide), and as been pointed out it is only for 8 1/2 months.
Living off campus rent is around $10,500 for 12 months. All utilities included, plus washer and dryer in room, 24 hour fitness center (she pays $150 for the use of the one on campus), and free campus shuttle, (so no added gas expense).
The only added expense for her will be a bigger grocery budget than she has now, which will still be less than the difference between the cost of living on campus and off. In the end she will save money by living off campus. Granted it won't be a ton of money but when you've still got grad school to pay for every little bit of savings helps.
Even as a transfer student my dd was required to live on campus for her first year. She was required to have the meal plan as well, over $14,400 for that (and it will definitely be going up by at least $150 if history is any guide), and as been pointed out it is only for 8 1/2 months.
Living off campus rent is around $10,500 for 12 months. All utilities included, plus washer and dryer in room, 24 hour fitness center (she pays $150 for the use of the one on campus), and free campus shuttle, (so no added gas expense).
The only added expense for her will be a bigger grocery budget than she has now, which will still be less than the difference between the cost of living on campus and off. In the end she will save money by living off campus. Granted it won't be a ton of money but when you've still got grad school to pay for every little bit of savings helps.