Spring is the time of year students begin looking at housing options for the following academic year, Catherine Bickel, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, said.
However, there are many things to consider before deciding to live on or off campus.
Living on campus is the best choice academically as well as financially, Bickel said.
"Students are looking for convenience of service, convenience to academic buildings and the library," she said. "I think there are some hidden costs students don't budget for."
Hidden costs can include repairs and cleaning supplies, she said.
Housing and Residence Life statistics show that students living on campus, especially freshmen, have better grade point averages than students living off campus. On-campus freshmen had an average 2.663 GPA while off-campus freshmen had an average 2.042 GPA for the Fall 2004 semester. However, the difference in average GPAs decreases as the students get older. The average GPA for on-campus seniors was 3.177 while the average GPA for off-campus seniors was 3.074 for Fall 2004.
But Senior Karen Cunnings said living off campus has more perks and has actually improved her grades.
"Not only do I have a place to call my own, but I also have less distractions and it is easier to get things done," Cunnings said. She also gains real-world experience and responsibility, she said.
Cunnings decided to move off campus because it would be less expensive than living in the residence halls, she said.
Living off campus saves Cunnings money because she creates her own budget, she said. However, the number of tickets she receives for parking on-campus costs her extra money. She also spends more money on gas now because she has easier access to her car.
The average cost of living in the residence halls is $6,228. This price includes room and board and technology fees.
Students can also sign onto the Premium Plan. The plan is an agreement that extends the housing contract to two years instead of one. In return, Ball State freezes the room and board costs for the next year. This means students will pay the same room and board fees for their second year as they did the first so they avoid any increases that usually take place, according to Housing and Residence Life.
Students receive additional money for their meal plans and a free parking pass as well.
Off-campus rent varies from house to house. Tenants are responsible for rent and utilities, such as electricity, water, sanitation and Internet/cable. Students must also buy groceries. Cunnings pays about $400 a month for rent and utilities in her two bedroom house so a 12 month lease costs her about $4,800.
John Connor, attorney for Student Legal Services, deals with student and landlord relations. He assists students with legal issues dealing with problems such as landlord contracts or roommate conflicts, he said. If a student is considering living off campus, Connor suggests talking with him first to discuss issues related to signing the lease.
"I try to bring students in here before they sign their first lease so I can review it with them," Connor said. "I explain what terms mean and give suggestions." One of the most important things to do before signing a lease is to talk to the present tenants about their experience at that specific house or apartment, he said.
Freshman Brian Watters said most of his friends in Lafollette Complex have made arrangements to live off campus and have signed leases.
"I like living in the dorms because I can just walk down the hall and be with my friends," Watters said. He is not in a hurry to leave the residence halls but would rather live somewhere else, he said.
"I am not going to stress out about it, but I am ready for a new place to live," Watters said.
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