Pros and Cons
If you are eligible to live off campus or are interested in doing so when that time comes, take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of both options to help guide your decision-making.
Residency requirement
While considering living off campus, understand that, in almost all cases, undergraduate students must fulfill RISD's two-year residency requirement. (There is no residency requirement for graduate students.)
To learn more about exemptions from the requirement, visit our housing policies page.
At a glance
| off-campus | on-campus | |
| Cost | potential for lower costs (e.g., affordable monthly rent, careful grocery budgeting, etc.) | fixed cost, per our housing license, with essentials included (dining, utilities, etc) |
| Transportation | some commuting required, possibly making a car necessary | all parts of campus in walking distance from residence halls |
| Security and safety | reliance on self, property managers and local police | provided by RISD Public Safety |
| Connection to campus | less convenient access to campus events and resources | campus events and resources more easily accessible |
| Maintenance | responsibility on renters and landlords, per lease agreement | housing and maintenance teams address repairs, per housing license |
| Independence | increased freedom over schedule, habits, lifestyle (quiet hours, guests, etc.) | must abide by housing policies and share space with larger number of residents |
| Housing contract | annual lease agreement locks you into specific apartment unit; lease termination can be challenging | annual housing and dining license functions like a lease agreement, but with options for room/hall changes |
| Convenience | renters often responsible for utilities and amenities | utilities and amenities included in cost |
| Availability and duration | full calendar year lease | housing mostly limited to academic year, with some summer and break housing |
Key considerations
Whether you live on or off campus plays an important role in shaping your student experience. When deciding whether to reside on campus or move into a nearby (or not-so-nearby) apartment, there are a number of factors for you to keep in mind.
For instance, living in one of RISD’s residence halls makes it easier for you to attend events on campus or access the library, but it also requires that you abide by Residence Life policies and can lessen your privacy.
Likewise, living off campus may offer you more privacy and greater control over your living space, but you also need to manage rent and other expenses, and it might be harder for you to access the conveniences of living on campus, such as Health Services or our campus dining venues. While making your decision, we suggest you consider:
- Budget: Compare the costs of living on campus versus off campus. Factoring in rent, utilities, commuting and other potential expenses. On-campus housing may offer more financial predictability, while off-campus living could provide opportunities to save money by sharing costs with roommates or carefully budgeting for home-cooked meals.
- Lifestyle and independence: Consider the tradeoffs that come with independent living. Do you prefer convenience and structure—easier to come by on campus—or is greater autonomy worth the added responsibilities of grocery shopping, paying for wi-fi, etc.?
- Commuting and proximity: Be aware of the drawbacks that can come with a commute to and from campus. Transportation and parking might cost money, and the pressure to manage your time increases as you get further from campus—especially when faced with poor weather conditions.
Budgeting for off-campus living
Managing your finances is key for living off campus. In addition to rent, you need to plan for many other expenses, such as:
- Utilities: Depending on your lease agreement, you might be responsible for paying for electricity, water, gas, internet and trash removal. Ask your landlord what is and is not included in your rent so you can plan accordingly.
- Food and dining: Cooking at home can save you money, but you should also budget for meals out.
- Transportation: Whether you drive, take public transportation or bike, factor in expenses like gas, bus fare, parking fees or bike maintenance. Keep in mind that RISD students have free access to RIPTA when traveling to and from campus.
- Renters' insurance: Purchasing renters’ insurance is a typically affordable way to protect your belongings in case of theft, fire or other emergencies.
- Household essentials: The cost of furnishing your new space can add up quickly. Don't forget about cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, bedding and any other miscellaneous costs that may pop up along the way.
- Emergency fund: Set aside some extra money for unexpected costs like emergency repairs, medical expenses or last-minute travel.
Creating a realistic budget helps you stay on top of your monthly expenses and gives you peace of mind knowing that you're financially prepared for the unexpected.
Property insurance
To protect your personal belongings, you may want to purchase renter’s insurance, which can cover property loss or damage related to theft, floods, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances.
If you are interested in property protection, we have partnered with College Student Insurance to provide rates as low as $69 per year. You can receive a quote online and get instant coverage. Policies designed specifically for students offer deductibles as low as $25.
For more information, see this overview from Consumers Advocate.