Students look for cheaper living

Residential Life rates and fees are expected to increase next year.

By Elizabeth Rinehart

Published Feb. 2, 2009

Due to the continuing economic downturn, students are looking for more ways to save money.

For some, it might mean living off campus for the new school year, as many students perceive it as cheaper and cost-effective.

Off-campus housing can offer such benefits as free tanning, free shuttles to and from campus, cable TV, high-speed Internet, basketball and tennis courts and fitness centers included with rent. Monthly rent for such off-campus apartments can range from approximately $365 to $515 per month, not including utilities.

According to the Department of Residential Life Web site, living on campus averages to $607.22 per month, but one month's bills off-campus come to $507.70, including rent, electricity, gas, water, cable and Internet. The site makes the argument that, overall, living on-campus is cheaper.

The department's Web site also accounts for furnishings, which are $0 total for on-campus living but $750 for off-campus living. Some apartments come furnished for an extra fee.

Residential Life also computes upfront costs, which include flat fees, processing fees, cable and Internet. The Web site maintains that on-campus living costs $325 upfront, but off-campus living costs $503.40.

In total, according to the Residential Life Web site, living off-campus is $828.88 more expensive than living on-campus.

Freshman Kaitlin Yanez said she wants to live off campus next year.

"I want a little more independence and responsibility," Yanez said. "Cost is also a big issue. Of course, living off campus will be cheaper."

According to the department's Web site, residence hall rates are increasing by as much as $400, and meal plans are increasing by about $100.

Yanez said if residence hall rates were cheaper, it would be a different story. "To stay in the same room with the same meal-plan, it would cost $500 dollars more," she said. "What's the point?"

Freshman Laura Scott, on the other hand, is deciding to live on campus next year.

"Convenience is a big factor," she said.

She said cost isn't an issue for her.

"I'm going to have a big bill anyways, what's an extra hundred dollars?" she said.

Sophomore Jeff Carr said he decided to live off campus because he wanted to live on his own.

"I wanted to have the experience of being independent and being able to do what you want whenever you want," he said.

But he said living off-campus is more expensive.

"I end up paying around $1,000 dollars more," he said.

He said that having his own room bed to sleep in is too good to pass up.

Residential Life's Web site doesn't mention the annual cost of a meal plan, which ranges from $1,960 for seven meals per week to $3,440 for 21 meals per week.

Carr said eating out is a hidden cost. He spends anywhere from $200-400 a month on food.

For students with cars, parking is another hidden cost. Some apartment complexes offer complimentary parking, but others charge up to $25 a month. MU charges students anywhere from $18-21 per month, depending on the location of the parking spot.