Choosing where you’ll live during your college years is arguably the second most important decision you’ll make, right after picking your major. As a student in Athens, this is even more important because apartments near Ohio University offer a completely different experience from life in the dorms. So, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of these properties will make all the difference in making the right choice for your situation.
The Advantages of Living Close to Campus
Added Convenience to Your Daily Routine
The most obvious benefit of Ohio University rentals located near the school is the convenience they offer. When you live in a rental that’s a short walk from your classes, it becomes much easier to attend your morning lecture(s). In most cases, you wouldn’t have to think about the whole stress of commuting. Not to mention you’ll save up cash and time spent on transportation, which means you’ll have more time for studying, socializing, and sleeping (because you’ll need a lot of this).
Access to Campus Resources and Uptown
For students who procrastinate till the last minute, it’ll be much easier to print a term paper by 10 pm if you live close to school. That aside, living within walking distance of school also gives you access to the library, rec center, and all the campus events you can think of. And if you’re a gym rat or someone who loves having a good time all the time, Uptown puts lots of amazing restaurants, shops, and entertainment close to you. This is particularly helpful if you don’t have a car. Additionally, Athens has a reliable bus system, but when you’re walking distance from everything, you probably wouldn’t need it as often.
Built-In Social Scene
If you’ve ever struggled with making friends, getting yourself an OU off-campus apartment might just be the solution to your troubles. Because of how close you’ll be to school, you’re going to be surrounded by other students, and this makes it much easier to build friendships, form study groups, and stay connected to campus culture. This is also a major plus if you’re the life of the party and enjoy being at the center of everything.
No Car Headache
Owing a car isn’t all it’s worked up to be, thanks to parking headaches. And you can avoid the drama altogether when you live close to campus. Between walking and the city bus routes, you can get to wherever you need to go without dealing with parking permits, moving your car every 24 hours to avoid tickets, or winter maintenance. This will help you save cash, and for those of you already thinking it, no more stress with Athens’ strict parking enforcement.
The Drawbacks You Should Consider
It Can Get Too Noisy For Your Comfort
Living at the heart of the action also means you’ll hear all the action, even when you don’t want to. Getting a house for rent near Ohio University comes with a lot of noise from late-night parties, foot traffic, and even weekend shenanigans. This level of constant activity can make it a bit harder to set clear boundaries between school and downtime.
The Closer You Get, the Higher the Rent
Ohio University student rentals in prime locations close to campus most times come at a price sure to leave a dent. This is because the convenience shoots demand up and makes rent in these areas much higher compared to neighborhoods just a bit further out. In some cases, the price doesn’t reflect the value you get back, as these houses are in older buildings that may lack modern amenities or updated appliances. So you might find yourself paying an arm and a leg for a place that can barely contain all your stuff, with quirks like uneven heating or outdated kitchens.
Reduced Chances of Being a Loner
As a college student, thinking about shacking up in a one-bedroom apartment close to campus can be a bit challenging. Many Ohio University apartments for rent were created for roommate situations, typically with three to five bedrooms. And listings usually advertise prices per bedroom rather than total rent, so a place listed at $400 might actually cost $1,200 monthly for a three-bedroom house. If you already have a roommate, then this wouldn’t be much of an issue, but it can be frustrating for students who prefer to live alone.
Maintenance and Landlord Quality Varies
Not all rental companies in Athens operate the same way. Some are really responsive and professional, while others have a reputation for being difficult with maintenance requests or nickeling-and-diming tenants. So when you’re out hunting for your next apartment, it’s worth asking around about specific landlords and property management companies. You’d be surprised by how much other student reviews and word-of-mouth can save you from unnecessary drama down the line.
Finding the Right Balance
At the end of the day, the decision between living right next to school and choosing a place much further out depends on your budget and priorities. So you need to consider what you actually need from your living situation to make the best decision: Do you need to be steps from your classes, or would a ten-minute walk work fine? Do you want the energy of constant activity, or does that sound draining? Are you willing to pay more for location, or would you rather save money and gain space? Do you prefer living large and have roommates you plan on sharing a college rental with, or are you searching solo?
Before making any decision, take the time to weigh these pros and cons as honestly as you can. In addition to this, don’t forget to ask other students about their experiences, and, if possible, visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day to get a real sense of what living there would be like.