The USA is the first choice of almost every student which is exactly why it is considered the most popular destination for studying abroad. Every year millions of students choose the USA to broaden their education in the “land of the free”. It is a massive community that is growing every year, in fact, 5% of the higher education in the US consists of international students.
The most common reasons for its popularity is, of course, top universities and world-class education. Another reason why international students turn to the USA to pursue higher education is because of its rewarding but vibrant life on a US campus. Deciding to travel to another country to attend university is a massive decision that usually comes with fun but massive changes as well. As an international student, If you are considering studying in the USA then you too should know what kind of lifestyle you should expect when you land there.
Campus Life in the USA
In addition to studying and preparing for a profession, college is a time to mature, learn new skills, and travel. Students are learning about themselves and making friends throughout this period. The college experience in the US frequently includes living in a dorm, participating in athletic or academic competitions, making friends through organised clubs, and giving back to the community. Although college life involves many changes, it is often regarded as the best time in graduates’ lives.
Benefits of Living on a Campus
According to research, students who live on campus experience the following benefits in comparison to those who live off campus:
- Higher rates of retention, persistence, bachelor’s degree attainment and graduate school entry
- Higher GPA
- Higher levels of participation in co-curricular activities, promoting their professional development and marketability to employers.
- Higher levels of interaction with faculty and peers.
- Higher degree of satisfaction with the college experience.
Additional Benefits
Living on campus in the US as an international student is an experience like no other! You will get to immerse yourself in authentic American college life and form connections that last a lifetime.
Make Lifelong Friends
Living in a dorm or residential hall lets you bond with other students in meaningful ways. You will stay up late chatting, grab meals together, and support each other through challenges and triumphs. These friendships often become as close as family. Years after graduating, campus friends remain an important part of each other’s lives.
Learn Life Skills
When you live on your own for the first time, you gain valuable independence and learn practical life skills. You become responsible for managing your time, keeping your space clean, doing laundry, and budgeting your money. These skills will benefit you for years to come, no matter what career path you choose.
Experience Campus Culture
Residential life exposes you to all aspects of campus culture. You can easily attend sports events, club activities, parties, cultural festivals, join clubs and more. Participating in these social events and school traditions is how you truly become part of the community. The memories you make will stay with you forever!
Living on-campus in the US provides opportunities for fun and personal growth. You will thrive in this lively environment and come away with relationships and life experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Take a chance, you won’t regret living on campus!
Student Mentors
Most on-campus accommodation facilities are supported by a Resident Assistant. The Resident Assistant is a student employee who is well-versed in all of the services and amenities available on campus. They assist students in finding on-campus services, developing friends, concentrating on their school, and, most importantly, having fun!
Security and Surveillance
Most university accommodations are safe places as they have 24-hour surveillance and security. The majority of universities offer facilities including 24-hour escort service, vehicle trouble assistance, first aid, and crime prevention programs.
Save Money and Reduce your Commute
Living in a campus accommodation usually includes utilities like electricity, gas, water and interest access at the price. This is usually way cheaper than renting out a place off-campus where you need to pay for these services separately. Another perk and in our opinion, one of the best ones as well is that you don’t need to worry about commuting to school every day and you don’t need a car as everything is close by.
Utilities including power, gas, water, and internet connection are typically included in the price of living in campus housing. As opposed to renting a home off campus where you would have to pay for these things separately, this is why on-campus accommodations are considered typically far less expensive. Another benefit—and one of the finest, in our opinion—is that you don’t have to worry about driving to school every day or having a car because everything is close by.
Be Independent
As an international student who has enrolled on an undergraduate program, this is likely your first time living away from your family. You’ll become a more responsible person with better time management skills as a result of this experience. You’ll benefit from these skills in the future as well. But bear in mind that you will be learning with hundreds of other students who are also trying to figure things out, so you won’t be in a situation where everyone expects you to know everything right away, you can learn everything together!
Cost of Living on Campus in the USA
The cost of living on a US campus typically includes tuition, room and board, meal plans, and additional fees. Room and board refers to your housing and meal costs. Many schools require first-year students to live on campus, so you will want to factor the cost of a dorm room or apartment into your budget. Meal plans provide access to dining halls and campus eateries. Options range from 5 to unlimited meals per week. Go for a plan that fits your needs and schedule.
There are also on-campus living facilities in the USA that include residence halls as well as apartments that can entertain 4 to 8 students. There is a private bedroom and shared kitchen, living room and bathroom.
Student accommodations are often reserved online on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want to stay in a dorm close to the campus, make your reservation as soon as possible. Rent can be paid in monthly instalments by students. Students typically need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent at the time of booking, or the university may have a set amount in advance. In the USA, a student’s accommodations typically cost about $11,520 per year.
Conclusion
College is a time for growth, adventure, and new experiences. Take advantage of all the opportunities to immerse yourself in American culture and campus life. The memories you’ll make will last forever!
