Alternative Housing Options for College Students

Housing can be expensive for college students, and it can be the expense that prevents some from being able to afford school. Many schools require students to live on campus in the dorms for at least a year. However, some conditions can allow students to waive the dorm requirement. For example, if your parents live within a certain number of miles, you can opt to live at home while attending school. Financial needs may also be a reason to allow you to live off-campus.

Even when living off-campus, housing can be expensive, and you may need to get creative to find a place to live that you can afford while still attending school. Here are some alternative housing options for college students.

Recreational Vehicle

If you can find a safe place to park an RV, you can live in a recreational vehicle while going to school. RV campgrounds are generally low-cost, especially when camping is not in season. If an RV campsite isn’t an option, you may be able to find a residence or business that would allow you to park your RV on their property for a small fee. Worst case scenario, you can compile a list of establishments with 24-hour business or parking and use those public lots as needed to park overnight. When using an RV as your home, getting an RV extended warranty is critical to protect your RV and your belongings. An RV warranty will give you peace of mind knowing you have a service plan, roadside assistance, and coverage for consequential damage.

Boarding House

Most college areas have boarding houses that allow students to rent a bedroom in a large house. The students living there then share the common areas, including the kitchen, living room, laundry room, and bathrooms. If you work with a personal college counselor on your admissions process, financial aid and scholarships, and college selection, you can get help finding a boarding house and getting money to pay your rent. Part of financial aid can be utilized to cover housing costs. This may include off-campus housing. Your college counselor can help you determine if you can use the aid and scholarships to cover your rent.

Business Location

Look into local business locations that may have living areas. Many older buildings contain both commercial and residential areas because it was not uncommon for business owners to live at their business location in the past. If you can find a business with a residential area, you can offer to trade services for a place to stay. There are many services you can trade for lodging, depending on the business. For example, if you are handy, it may be a good idea to offer to help with major repairs to the building or business. If you are a gifted writer, you can offer to help with blog posts and social media to promote the business. You could also look for a job as a live-in nanny with the understanding that you’ll be going to school, too.

Religious Community

Look into local religious communities. Some religious communities have guest quarters, and you can stay there in exchange for work at the community. Most religious communities are separated by gender, so you’ll need to see what’s available in the area of the college you plan to attend. Still, many also offer rooms at no cost. As a community member, you will be given chores that you are expected to complete, and you will be expected to live by the rules of the community even if you aren’t planning to join permanently.

Finding alternative housing options while in college can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Researching the area and talking to locals will help you determine the best route to take for housing. Your budget and initial resources will also play a factor in your decision-making.