Once you have decided where to study in the United States, you will want to make another very important decision: What is the best place for me to live? Fortunately, there are several suitable options available on-campus and off-campus.

On-Campus Living

Living on-campus can be a very exhilarating experience. Students who opt to live on-campus often make friends very easily and become active participants of campus life. Being right there on-campus means that classes are often within walking distance so there is never the fear of being late to class. Most campus offer different housing options to suit each student’s lifestyle. At the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, students can live in traditional-style halls sharing double bedrooms and a communal bathroom. There is an area equipped with a kitchenette on each floor. USF also offers suite-style residences where a student can have a single room or share a double room both with semi-private bathrooms.

When living on-campus, most schools require students to purchase a meal plan. For those students who want an experience that allows for more independence, many universities offer apartment-style residences with private bedrooms and a common area to entertain guests. For instance, at USF’s Cypress Hall students get their own private bedroom in a four-bedroom apartment with a common kitchen, and two bathrooms. All rooms come with basic furniture and Internet access. Safety is an important consideration when choosing where to live. On-campus housing is extremely safe and each floor has its own resident assistant who is there to answer residents’ questions. In addition, each resident is given an access card ensuring that only the student or authorized guests can come into the building after hours.

Off-Campus Housing

Another interesting option for students is to choose to live off-campus. There are private apartments for those students who enjoy having their own space. There are also apartment buildings where a student can rent one room with a bathroom and share the common living areas with residents. In a private apartment, students can cook for friends and decide how to decorate their own space.

Remember if you live off-campus you will need to budget for food, utilities and personal items. Students living in apartments near larger universities may be able to use a campus bus service, which often provides transportation to nearby apartment complexes.

Many apartments come fully-furnished and the rent includes water, cable, and electricity. Most apartment complexes have Internet access so that students can stay connected at all times.

Your U.S. program will probably have a Housing Office or Housing Director to help you locate safe, clean living arrangements near campus. Landlords will list vacant apartments with the school so you can do your research on line or on the phone. These are usually in buildings where other students live, so you will be in good company.

At USF, students can easily find an affordable room in a three- or four-bedroom apartment. The apartment complex matches the student with roommates that have similar habits. For instance, a student who likes to study at night, is matched with other students who are also “night-owls.” Most complexes offer activities for residents such as pool parties or game nights. It is a good idea to take advantage of these to meet new people.

It is important to remember that students must sign either a 7 or 12 month contract when renting an off-campus apartment. Contracts are legal documents, and there are costly penalties if one decides to move out before the contract is finished.

One interesting option close to USF is private dormitory called The Edge. The Edge offers one-semester or yearly leases in single or private rooms with shared bathrooms. Rooms are fully furnished and have Internet access. There are different meal plans ranging from some meals to all meals provided. There are facilities such as a gym, a swimming pool, a study room, and indoor basketball court. Fun activities are also planned such as barbecues, parties, and even off-campus trips.

With so many options available, it is no wonder that choosing where to live is such a difficult decision. With the help of your school’s housing advisor, you should have no problem finding your new place to call home.

By Ariadne Miranda

Ariadne Miranda is Assistant Director for Admissions and Marketing, English Language Institute, University of South Florida, in Tampa.