Typically, this involves finding a suitable property and enough roommates to pay the entire rent. The advantages of sharing an off-campus house include the opportunity to choose all of one's preferred roommates, relative freedom from campus rules that apply to dormitory living, and in general, a more independent experience than either living at hoe or in campus housing facilities. The disadvantages of living in a shared off-campus house include the possibility that one or more roommates will default on his or her rent obligations, leaving the other roommates to make up the difference. Typically, only one or two of the roommates actually sign the rental contract and merely collect rent from the other roommates every month. Where other roommates decide to leave, the student(s) who signed the lease must still...

Those concerned with saving money or with fulfilling family responsibilities at home may consider living at home and commuting to class instead of living on campus. Incoming freshmen may prefer dormitory living even where college rules do not prohibit off-campus living, simply for the convenience and the proximity to other students. Living off campus in a shared rental property offers some of the same advantages as dormitory living without the requirement of adhering to campus housing rules. Each choice has distinct advantages and disadvantages that students must consider before making the choice. Ultimately, that choice boils down to personal preference and individual life circumstances.