Deciding to live in Winona apartments or Winona state housing is crucial and will affect all your semesters at Winona State University. A common misconception is that living in off-campus residences is pricier than living in Winona apartments. Parents and students will be surprised to know that living off-campus can help them save fifty percent or more of what they would be paying for an on-campus dorm.
Imagine this – for $499 to $549 per month, a student can get a bathroom, living room, and a separate kitchen in a well-appointed, single-bedroom apartment. That’s already less expensive than a dorm with a shared bathroom and no kitchen at $893 per month. On average, the cost of a small dorm room is thirty percent more expensive than a much larger off-campus residence that’s close to WSU and has a kitchenette. We can’t blame parents and students, though.
The costs of college tuition, on-campus residence, and other expenses are often bundled, so not everyone will see or realize the difference in housing costs. While on-campus housing has some benefits, there are also plenty of advantages of living off-campus.
General Considerations When Renting Winona Apartments
Extra Space
If you’re living in a dorm, it can be challenging to maintain your sense of privacy. In addition, living in a dorm can be a significant adjustment if you’re used to having your room. However, you don’t have to worry about giving up your privacy when moving into an apartment.
Having fewer interruptions makes it easier to concentrate on your study. However, you and your roommate will be sharing a larger space, but you will still have your private place. Your bathroom will either be private or only accessible by your housemates. It is common for students to share toilets and showers in dorms.
Having a Sense of Independence
As a student residing in Winona state housing, you must abide by the dorm’s house rules. Restrictions on how late visitors can stay and whether they can be of the opposite sex are common. Room inspections and visits with your Resident Advisor may also occur regularly.
In Winona apartments, you are bound by the terms of your lease, but there are usually no restrictions on when or when you can have visitors. You won’t have to meet with your landlord every month either. To avoid annoying your neighbors, you will still need to keep the noise level down. But the landlord won’t show up for a surprise inspection.
Cost Considerations
Food, utilities, and use of laundry facilities are all included in the price of Winona state housing. All these amenities are probably not included in your monthly apartment rent. You will be responsible for your utility, internet, and food costs. In some cases, renting an apartment may be less expensive than living in the dorms, depending on the school you’re attending and the local housing market. Depending on where you go to school, this can vary substantially.
If you want to live on campus, bear in mind that financial assistance money may be able to cover some or all your room and board fees. However, if your housing or meal plan check is sent to them, you’re still adhering to the school’s financial assistance rules. Therefore, you won’t be able to pay an off-campus landlord with your financial aid dollars, most likely.
Additional Points to Keep in Mind
While there are certain benefits to apartment living, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind. For example, consider transportation expenditures if you don’t live close enough to the university to walk there. In addition, you’ll have to pay rent even if you’re not using the apartment over the summer since your landlord will require a security deposit, which is typically equal to one month’s rent.
Renting an apartment means bringing your furniture, whereas dorms typically include a bed, dresser, and desk. There are additional responsibilities that come with living in an apartment. There are a lot of chores you’ll have to take on, like cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, managing utility payments, and making repairs. All of this time is taken away from studying.
Security may be an issue as well; most dorms have security systems in place that demand the use of a unique ID card to enter. On the other hand, an apartment building might not be that accommodating. Finally, consider the social aspect as well. At college, you’ll have more chances to meet new people and form relationships with your fellow students.
Bonus: Saving Dollars in College
Education comes at a cost – but you can save dollars along the way. Check out a few practical tips for reducing expenses throughout the year.
Avoid brand new textbooks. The cost of textbooks can be pretty high. Consider borrowing books from fellow students or the university library before heading to the campus bookstore. Buy or rent used textbooks on Amazon.com if you can’t afford to buy or rent new ones. The pay-as-you-go model for digital books like iFlipd is also available from Chegg or Barnes & Noble’s textbook service.
Don’t even think about it if you’re going anywhere without your student ID. Those with a valid student ID can get discounts on everything from clothing to laptops and notebook computers. For example, Apple, Adobe, and a slew of high-profile clothing brands like J.Crew and Forever 21 are all offering discounts on their products. Make sure to ask about discounts before you order at local restaurants and chains!
Skip the car for now. Even if you don’t have a lot of money saved up for unexpected car repairs, parking, gas, and insurance all add up quickly. If you’re going a long way, consider taking public transportation, borrowing a car from a friend, or renting a vehicle through services like Uber, Lyft, or Zipcar. There are many cost-effective options for getting around when you need to travel outside the university’s boundaries.
Be an intelligent credit card owner. Keep your credit card safe. Do not use a credit card until you can pay it off in full each month, even if it has a low-interest rate.
Don’t forget to stop by your bank. Ask about student-friendly checking and savings accounts. Many of these have lower fees and no minimum balance requirement. Use online banking to keep track of your balance and avoid costly overdraft fees.
