By Nikki Sharma
When I first started university, I lived on campus and absolutely loved the convenience and community. Eventually, I decided to move into the city for more independence, space, and a change of environment. Having experienced both, I wanted to share an honest, balanced comparison to help anyone trying to decide which option might suit them best.
Life on campus: Convenience and community
Living on campus felt like being at the centre of everything. My lectures, the library, cafés, and the gym were only minutes away (and free), which made even the busiest days easier to manage. Social life was effortless – spontaneous plans, late-night study sessions, and bumping into friends between classes were all part of the charm.
I loved how I could take walks around campus without worrying about safety, thanks to campus security.
I also appreciated how simple budgeting was. Bills were included, maintenance was quick, and reception was always nearby if anything went wrong. The sense of community was strong; you always felt connected to student life, and it was easy to get involved with societies and events without worrying about transport or time.
Moving to the city: What changed
When I moved into the city, the lifestyle shifted. I suddenly had more space, more privacy, and the freedom to choose a house that actually felt like home. The environment was different too – quieter at times, but also more connected to the wider community beyond campus.
One of the biggest changes was routine. Instead of spontaneous midnight trips to the library, I started planning my days more carefully. Travelling to campus became part of my schedule, and while it wasn’t difficult, it did require more organisation. On the plus side, it meant discovering new routes, places to eat, and areas of the city I might never have explored otherwise.
The pros of off-campus living
City living comes with a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe until you experience it. You set your own rules, choose how your space feels, and have more room to cook, relax, and socialise – especially when living with people you choose.
I also picked up real-world skills: budgeting properly, managing bills, keeping the house running, and planning my time around travel. Depending on where you live, you may also be closer to shops, cafés, parks or nightlife, which adds a different kind of convenience to everyday life.
The challenges
Moving off campus wasn’t without its adjustments. Bills, unexpected costs, and keeping track of payments became my responsibility. Travelling to campus meant earlier mornings and sometimes less predictable days, and I had to plan meals and pack things I might need rather than popping home between classes.
Sharing a space long term with friends was another learning curve – mostly positive, but it required communication, respect for shared areas, and compromise. Noise from neighbours or the lack of campus buzz also took some getting used to. None of these were dealbreakers – just part of adapting to a new lifestyle.
What I learned from living in both places
Experiencing both environments helped me work out what suits me at different stages of university life. Campus living taught me the value of structure, connection and convenience, while city living built my independence, confidence and practical skills.
I also realised how important location, travel time and, most of all, housemate compatibility are. There isn’t a single “better” option, just different benefits depending on your personality and priorities.
Advice for students deciding between the two
Think about how you like to study and socialise. Do you prefer spontaneous plans or predictable routines? Compare rent, bills and travel costs realistically. Visit properties early, explore the area, and imagine what your daily life might look like.
Be honest with yourself about how much independence you enjoy and how you handle responsibility.
Final thoughts
Both on-campus and off-campus living have shaped my university experience in meaningful ways. Your needs may change as you move through your degree, and that’s completely normal.
Whatever you choose, pick the option that fits your lifestyle, budget and wellbeing – there’s value, growth and great memories to be found in both.