Unlike choosing classes or applying for co-op — both of which Northeastern provides structured guidance for — finding an apartment is a process where students are largely left on their own.
Without proper research and a clear idea of what they want, students risk overpaying, living too far from campus and being unprepared for signing fees. This painful reality begs the question: Is living off campus worth the costs?
In my view, despite the many hurdles, living off campus is ultimately worth it. With careful planning, living off-campus offers freedom, savings and real-world experience that outweigh the challenges. While the housing search process can be daunting, especially for first-time renters, the independence and flexibility to live how you want can make off-campus life a worthwhile experience for students.
One of the most compelling reasons to move off campus is cost. Most students living off campus spend between $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on the neighborhood and apartment size. Splitting a lease among roommates can lower costs, particularly in areas like Mission Hill or Roxbury where rent tends to be cheaper. While the signing process can be overwhelming — especially with added costs like furniture, utilities and service fees — many still find off-campus housing more economical than on-campus housing, which averages around $1,525 per month for a standard double.
Take me for example: I currently live on campus in a double at Loftman Hall, meaning that I share a room with one other person and each of us pay $1,525 per month. Shared by six people in total, our apartment includes three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, one living room and one kitchen. When looking off campus for housing next year, my roommates and I were able to find a far more economical option: a six-bedroom, three-bathroom place in Mission Hill for $1,167 per month per person. After factoring in utilities and renter’s fees, this total comes to about $1,326 per month per person — about $150 cheaper per month than my current rent. That’s an extra $150 I get to use for groceries, going out and savings.
It is also worth noting that Loftman Hall is one of the more affordable on-campus options. Some of the more expensive residence halls, like West Village, cost around $1,865 per month for a double bedroom. International Village can cost $2,450 per month — including $1,500 for housing plus a mandatory $950 meal plan, the cheapest the university offers for 180 swipes.
This wide variability in on-campus pricing is made worse by the fact that students don’t always get to choose their housing. A bad lottery number can stick you with an overpriced or inconvenient option, while the more affordable residence halls can come with cramped conditions, outdated furniture or less-than-ideal layouts.
In contrast, off-campus living offers far more flexibility and control — control over not just price, but also space, privacy and amenities.
Another benefit of off-campus living is the ease of the apartment search process. By using Northeastern’s off-campus apartment searching website, students can filter listings by price, number of bedrooms, lease length and proximity to campus — whether it’s walking distance, a short bike ride or near public transit stops. Many listings also include helpful details like nearby grocery stores, restaurants and laundry options. All of these factors can allow students to find a listing that matches what they are looking for.
Most of all, living off campus also comes with a major benefit: independence. Without resident assistants or university rules, students have more flexibility to host guests and shape their space into something that truly feels like home. This freedom fosters a sense of adulthood that on-campus living often lacks, helping students grow more confident and self-reliant. It’s not just about space — it’s about learning how to manage your own life.
However, with all of these freedoms also comes more responsibility. With off-campus housing, there is no more proctored security or easy access to campus resources. There is also a higher chance of unfixed appliances, disagreements over lease specifics and difficult landlords. On top of that, off-campus housing can make budgeting harder for students with limited savings, since payments are not billed through the university or covered by financial aid and payment plans.
But for students willing to take on a little more financial responsibility, the trade-off is often worth it. Living off campus builds real-life budgeting skills and gives you more say in how your money is spent.
Another challenge of off-campus housing is that brokers can target young students, making the search more stressful and expensive as they try to capitalize on high demand for housing. If students want to do their due diligence, they should carefully review tenant rights before signing a lease.
Moving off campus is one of the biggest transitions in college as it pushes students to take ownership of their living situation for the first time. While it can come with hidden costs and challenges, it can also be more financially and personally rewarding in the long term. Students considering moving off campus should research thoroughly, communicate with potential roommates and always start early. For those willing to put in the effort, the freedom, savings and independence of off-campus living make it the better choice.
Regardless of your choice, the off-campus search process is a valuable life lesson in independence that prepares students for life beyond Northeastern. College is about learning to live on your own, so why not actually try to live on your own?
Mateo Biggs is a second-year computer science major and a contributor for The News. He can be reached at biggs.m@northeastern.edu.
If you would like to submit a letter to the editor in response to this piece, email comments@huntnewsnu.com with your idea.
