Off-Campus Housing

We know many of you are now either crossing your fingers on the wait-list or trying your luck in search of an off-campus apartment. Savvy-student is here to help with the pros and cons to off-campus housing, tips for finding an apartment, as well as, advice for staying on-budget .

The obvious pros for on-campus housing are that it is convenient. There is no real commute time and nothing to worry about in terms of making rent or paying for utilities since it is all included with your semester bill.

However, that being said, for those of you looking to live off-campus or with a high lottery number you may need to search for alternative housing options with or without roommates.

Off-Campus: Pros and Cons

There are plenty of pros to living off-campus. To begin with, your housing choices are no longer limited by lottery numbers, meaning you can look at a diverse set of living arrangements (as long as they fit in your budget!). Further more, students living off campus can buy and prepare most of their own food-typically much cheaper than the Brandeis meal plan. Finally, a place off campus can be considered training wheels for future endeavors. It is a great time to learn how to budget and manage finances in a real world setting, as you will most likely have to search for an apartment, pay for utilities and shop for furniture.

It is also important to mention that your eligibility for financial aid will not change should you live off campus, as long as you're not living with your parents. If you're financial aid exceeds your semester charges on Sage then you are entitled to a refund check. Simply complete our Credit Release Form either online or in our office. However, please be aware that per Federal regulation refund checks issued for students with an account credit will be processed beginning 10 days before the start of classes, so be sure to plan your housing payments accordingly.

Living off campus does entail some difficulties too. First among them is transportation. Students with cars will face the increased costs of gas and maintenance. Those without cars will have to plan around shuttle schedules or the increased time of walking or biking to campus. Make sure you factor these changes into your decision to live off campus.

Moreover, off-campus housing requires greater independence and budgeting on behalf of students. Depending on where you choose to live, off-campus housing can be more or less expensive than on-campus. Nonetheless, students off-campus must be responsible enough to pay rent on time, keep utility bills in check, and still have enough money left over for food and transportation.

Finding a Living Space

For students who choose to make the leap off-campus, finding a place to live can often be the most difficult step. Begin by asking your friends! Often times you may be surprised to find that a friend of a friend is looking for a roommate or will be leaving his or her apartment in the fall. Personal connections can open doors (literally)!

There are several resources at your fingertips to help you in your apartment search. You may first consider looking at classifieds on my.brandeis.edu. These listings are posted by Brandeis students, meaning they can connect you with housing that is student-friendly and near campus.

Check craigslist.com or local newspapers. These listings aren't specifically directed towards Brandeis students, but can give you many leads for off-campus living spaces. No matter how daunting the apartment search appears, your hard work will certainly pay off when you have a space all your own!

Budgeting Off-Campus

Savvy Student has tips for making sure you can live successfully off campus while still living within your means.

It can be very helpful to set a strict budget accounting for all your daily expenses. If you do live off campus you may be required to purchase renter's insurance, and if you decide to get pets be aware that there are additional expenses included with your furry friends. Remember to set aside money for entertainment, such as dinner with friends and be sure to set aside money for your savings!

Regarding food expenses, consider the following tips:

• Further, consider becoming a member of a warehouse store, such as Sam's Club or Costco. If you're living with roommates, buying food in bulk can save lots of money in the long run.


• Plan your grocery lists before you're at the store!


• Cut coupons and remember to actually use them!


• Keep in mind whether the food you're purchasing is perishable. Produce isn't worth a penny if it rots before you can eat it!


• To avoid paying on-campus food prices, remember to bring food with you to campus.

Savvy Student and the Office of Student Financial Services are always here to guide you through these processes, so don't hesitate to contact our office (in person or via email, facebook, or blog) if you have any questions!

Savvy Student