To live on or off campus

        Next to choosing an institution and picking a career path, deciding where to live during your college years can be the most difficult decision. In fact, it's one that can make or break your college experience. In a large community like Georgia State's and competitive housing arrangements on campus, students apply and make housing decisions nearly six months before a move in date. It is important, then, to consider what options best suit your situation and to ask yourself: on or off campus?

Living on campus

        Georgia State offers several on-campus residences to its students that include University Commons, Freshman Hall and The Lofts. More nice and newer than other local campuses' residences, all university housings are fully furnished and provide often overlooked amenities as central heating and AC.

       The pros of on-campus living are pretty obvious: proximity, or closeness to the central campus, on-site laundry rooms, safety, no-cost maintenance and security, convenient dining (Freshman Hall features a state-of-the-art dining facility), helpful resident assistants and reliable transportation. That's not to mention the freedom from parents many young adults desire.

"The biggest advantage to living in a dorm is definitely the location. Living in The Commons allowed me to be able to walk to and from school. Living there also made it easier to socialize and meet friends," said junior journalism major, Ashley Tate.

      Dorm room residency does have its disadvantages. For an average cost of $3,500 a semester, it can be expensive for the already cash-strapped college student. Unaffordability, small room sizes, sharing spaces with one or more roommates, very little privacy and having to move out during school breaks can make for a difficult living arrangement. Unfortunately, neither meal plans or parking are included in housing fees.

Living off campus- Renting While in College

       Depending on the area and your desired amenities, off-campus housing may be the most practical solution to your housing needs. Renting an apartment or single-family home with other students is a cost-efficient alternative to dorm living.

      Generally, renting will give you a greater sense of ownership, more social freedom and better square footage per dollar you pay. Leasing options are flexible and managers can offer a six-, eight-, 10- or 12-month agreement and revolving move-in dates.

     The cons? Transportation can be an expensive hassle, utilities are often available separately, maintenance is less dependable and security comes at a higher cost than dorm living. Like on campus housing, food expenses are not included in housing fees.

       Because Atlanta is a large, metropolitan area, finding the right off-campus housing can be a daunting task. Georgia State provides a practical search solution via the University Housing website.

      Of course, living with parents or other relatives is sometimes the most convenient, cost efficient, safest and albeit annoying option for commuter students.

"I wouldn't mind living in a dorm again if it wasn't for the expenses that come with it," Tate added. "Living at home has saved me a lot of money on things like the cost of a dorm or apartment itself, food, laundry, cleaning supplies, etc. My family home is in Decatur so it's a short 15-minute train ride away from campus."