Are you a student in Sarasota hunting for a place to live? If yes, you could be choosing whether you should rent an apartment or stay in a dorm. Both options have pros and cons; in our opinion, apartments are an excellent choice for numerous students. Not only will an apartment offer more amenities, but other great benefits come with renting an apartment that you can’t acquire while living in a dorm room. Here are ten reasons why you should think about renting an apartment.
Apartments are usually more spacious than dorms, so you’ll have more room to study and relax.
Dorm rooms are notoriously cramped, giving less space for you to complete essential daily tasks. While not all apartments are spacious, most are larger than a dorm room and may feature both a bedroom and a living room area where you can relax.
Apartments typically offer more privacy than dorms.
The average dorm room is a shared room, so you and your roommate (or several, depending on the setup) will be in very close quarters all semester. An apartment, even a shared apartment, regularly offers more privacy throughout the day and more control over your schedule. You can also choose your roommate(s) in an apartment, while many dorms don’t allow that.
You can cook your own meals in an apartment, which is often healthier and cheaper than eating at the campus dining hall.
While college meal plans may be convenient, they aren’t always the healthiest option. This is especially true if you have specific dietary needs. By renting an apartment with a kitchen, you can cook your meals to meet your needs better. Plus, it’s usually cheaper to cook at home than buy your meals elsewhere.
Some apartments allow students to have pets, whereas dorms usually do not.
If you wish to bring your favorite pet with you, that certainly won’t be possible in a dorm room. But there are Sarasota property managers that will allow pets in apartments so that you can keep your furry friend close by. Just bear in mind that they may charge additional pet fees and pet rent, and some restrictions may apply (such as dog breeds and sizes), so do some research in advance.
You won’t have to share a bathroom with dozens of other people in an apartment.
This is likely one of the students’ biggest complaints about living in a dorm. Your apartment may have a couple of bathrooms, or you may even have your own private bathroom. Either way, you won’t have to share with nearly as many people, which indicates less wait time and fewer messes to mop up.
Apartments are typically quieter than dorms, so you’ll be able to get a better night’s sleep.
If you’re the one who enjoys peace and quiet, a dorm room is probably not the ideal place for you. With people coming and going at all hours of the night and non-stop noise from your neighbors, it can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep. But an apartment typically provides more peace and quiet, so you can get the rest you need.
If you have a car, you can usually park it for free in an apartment complex.
Most dorms charge for parking, and if you can’t find a place on campus, you may have to park far away and walk. But in an apartment, you regularly have your own designated parking spot (or multiple spots, depending on the complex) that you can utilize at no cost. This is a significant perk if you need a car to get around campus.
Apartment communities usually have great amenities like pools, gyms, and laundry facilities.
Even though some dorms may offer a few of these amenities, they are typically not as clean or well-maintained as those in an apartment complex. Moreover, you’ll have to pay to use them. But in an apartment complex, these amenities are usually included in your rent so that you can utilize them at no additional cost.
Most apartments are located close to campus, so you won’t have to waste time commuting.
This is especially important if you have early classes or need to get to campus for activities and events. Dorms are usually located on or near campus, which makes them very convenient. But most college towns usually have nearby apartments, perhaps just a few minutes’ walk away. Those extra few minutes may be worth it if you’d rather ditch the dorm room for better living arrangements!
Renting an apartment is often cheaper than paying for a dorm room.
This is especially true if you’re renting an apartment with roommates. Many colleges charge high fees for dorm rooms, even shared rooms without a connected bathroom. Property owners near campus know this and often price their rentals competitively to get the attention of students. Apartments may also include things like utilities and internet service in the rent, which may be higher quality than what you’ll find on campus. This makes renting an apartment a much better deal in the long run.
If you’re hunting for a place to stay as a student, an apartment is probably your best bet. Whether your ideal off-campus housing is in a large complex or a shared house, chances are, with a little effort, you’ll find something that will fit your ideal lifestyle.
To get started on your quest for housing, contact Real Property Management Sarasota & Manatee! We have quality listings in your area and can help you find the perfect place to live. You can browse our listings online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
