If you’re about to make the big transition from the dorms to off-campus housing, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to live on your own or with one or more friends. We’re assuming that you’re not contemplating living with one or more enemies (though it wouldn’t be the first time that had happened). Check out a separate blog on this website for a deeper look at the benefits of living by yourself in a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
There’s a number of important issues you’ll want to consider, and we’ll examine some of those in this blog. All of the considerations apply equally whether you’re looking for a three-bedroom apartment in Columbus or a studio apartment in Athens or a shared house in either college town.
Are You a Social Person?
This should be a no-brainer. If you’re secure in your preference for going it alone, by all means look for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Athens or Columbus. However, if you’re shy but want to do a better job of getting to know people, sharing a house with a select one to three friends might be the best thing for your own personal growth. And of course, if you’re a social person, comfortable around others, sharing a house or larger apartment is the obvious route to take. The exception would be if you’re struggling to keep your grades up. In that case, it might make more sense to live on your own, removing the temptation to socialize and party all the time.
Are You Worried About Your Housing Choices?
Depending on the rental housing market, in Athens or Columbus, you may have a wider selection of multi-bedroom houses or apartments than one-bedroom or studio options. On the other hand, the multi-bedroom options may be snagged sooner than the one-bedroom or studios. People who plan to live together tend to get their act together sooner than individuals looking for housing for themselves. Of course, it also depends on the housing stock in the particular community where you plan to live. Both Columbus and Athens have an impressive assortment of student rental options with regard to number of bedrooms, both big and small.
Who Pays What?
If you live by yourself, this question won’t be an issue. When it comes to utilities and other non-rent charges in your studio or one-bedroom apartment, either you or the landlord pays for these extras – or a mixture, with some paid by you and some paid by the landlord. But you won’t have to worry about sorting out who pays what, or collecting payments from house or apartment mates, if you’re living alone. If you have a tight budget, it’s almost always cheaper to live with other people, sharing costs, than living by yourself.
Cleaning and Chores
This can be a major source of tension in a multi-tenant living situation. This is especially the case if there’s a fundamental difference in how the tenants feel about neatness and hygiene. Face it; different people have different ideas about what constitutes “clean.” Some people don’t have any idea at all, especially when they’re college-aged. Think twice about living with other people if you suspect you’re a lot more finicky about cleanliness and neatness than your prospective slob housemates.
Romance, Serious and Otherwise
If you have a tight significant other and plan to have them over frequently, having your own place is probably your best bet if you don’t plan to live together. If you’re hoping for more casual romance at college (aka one-night hook-ups), the same thing applies. It’s easier to bring a new friend home to a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Columbus or Athens than to bring them home to Animal House. The morning departure from a house full of curious people can be awkward, too.
You Know Yourself
But making this decision, whether to live with others or live by yourself, isn’t exactly rocket science. You know yourself; you know what you prefer. Go with your gut, and it probably will work out just fine.