Are you interested in learning about the concepts and benefits of shared housing for online students? Keeping reading as cover these as well as some tips on how to reduce housing costs and a few resources on where you can find affordable housing options.
Everything has become more expensive, which is particularly challenging for college students. This includes those who are enrolled in online courses that are meant to be “affordable.”
Depending on where you live, rental costs can go as high as $1,700 a month for a single bedroom. As an online student, paying for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses can significantly impact your budget. However, if you have someone splitting rent and bills with you, your financial burden can be much lighter.
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You may have heard the term “shared housing,” but what does it really mean? Essentially, shared housing refers to two or more people living together in one home and splitting the costs associated with it.
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- Guide to Finding Affordable Housing Near Your Online College
- Low-Cost Housing for Online College Students: Solutions for a Comfortable Education
- Top Cities Offering the Best Housing for Remote Students
- Top Online Colleges with the Best Student Housing Amenities
- Top Platforms Connecting Online Students to Shared Housing Opportunities
What Is Co-Living and Why Is It Ideal for Online Students?
Let’s understand what co-living is.
Coliving is a new way to live where people share a nice space. You get your bedroom but also enjoy common areas like kitchens and living rooms where you can hang out with others.
Most coliving places come fully furnished and may have coworking spaces, making it easy to settle in and meet new friends. This setup lets you have your own space while being part of a lively community.
Key Features of Co-living:
- Shared Spaces: Enjoy common areas like lounges, kitchens, and gyms that help you connect with others.
- Community Events: Many coliving places host activities that bring residents together.
- All-Inclusive Living: One monthly payment usually covers rent, utilities, and internet, making budgeting simple.
- Private Rooms: Everyone has their bedroom, often with a private bathroom.
- Managed Experience: Professional teams run coliving spaces, so everything runs smoothly.
- Flexible Leases: Many places offer short-term leases, so you can stay as long as you need.
- Convenience: With perks like cleaning services, daily life becomes easier.
Benefits of Co-living to Online Students:
- Affordability: Affordable co-living spaces help you save money, especially in expensive cities. The all-inclusive rent means fewer bills to worry about.
- Social Connections: It’s a great way to make new friends. Shared spaces encourage interaction and teamwork.
- Diverse Community: Coliving brings together people from different backgrounds, making it a rich living experience.
- Shared Amenities: You get to use great facilities like kitchens and gyms without the hassle of upkeep.
- Flexibility: Many coliving spaces offer short leases, perfect for those who move around often. They’re also fully furnished, so you don’t need to buy furniture.
- Personal Growth: Many communities host workshops and events, giving you chances to learn new things and pursue your interests.
Co-living units have become very popular in major cities like New York, London, and Singapore, which have seen a 200% surge in just five years! But beyond cost savings, these spaces also help combat urban loneliness. A survey found that 80% of co-living residents reported improved social lives, with 70% feeling more connected to their city. As you can see, there are many more benefits to shared housing for online students other than affordability.
Student Residences: A Budget-Friendly Option
Another popular housing option for online learners is budget-friendly student residences. This type of student housing has become more favorable than traditional dorms for several reasons.
Online student residences are generally more laid-back when it comes to rules about guests, noise, and curfews so that you can enjoy a more independent living vibe. Plus, these places usually stick to the basics—no fancy dining halls or gyms—keeping costs down and making it easier on your wallet.
Lastly, many student residences offer flexible leasing options, like month-to-month agreements. These agreements allow you to pay only for the time you actually need, avoiding long-term commitments that might stretch your budget.
Exploring Community Housing Programs
Community housing is not the same as co-living spaces or student residences. It’s a type of affordable housing for students that costs less than the market rate. These programs are funded by the government, which helps keep the rent affordable for tenants.
The rent for community housing programs for students is based on a percentage of your income, making it easier to manage. Several colleges and universities offer low-cost housing options for both online and traditional students.
Temple University
The Tacoma Housing Authority and Tacoma Community College run the College Housing Assistance Program (CHAP). It’s leading the fight against homelessness among college students. CHAP is one of the first programs in the country to team up a housing authority with a community college, creating a unique approach. It uses government help to provide housing for community college students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
University of North Dakota
UND has the TRIO’s Community Housing Navigation Program. It aims to help eligible participants find safe, permanent housing and meet their basic needs. Many participants face challenges like money problems or lack of knowledge about available services.
The Community Housing Navigator helps identify challenges and find solutions. Each participant receives personalized support, which can include help with:
- housing searches
- healthcare referrals
- educational services
- assistance with moving costs, utility deposits, transportation, food, and childcare
University of California Los Angeles
UCLA has a program called the Basic Needs Program that helps students who struggle with housing and food issues. This program offers emergency housing and helps students find long-term affordable places to live. By working with local organizations, UCLA connects students to financial aid, counseling, and health services resources.
One key part of this program is the Housing for Health initiative. It helps students access health resources to make dealing with housing problems easier. By addressing both housing and health needs, UCLA aims to support students so they can concentrate on their studies without worrying about where they will live.
Many other schools have community housing programs. You should also consider asking your local government about any low-cost housing options for online learners. Eligibility requirements can vary, but they usually include the following:
- Enrollment Status. Many programs require students to be enrolled at least part-time in a college or university.
- Income Limits. Most community housing programs have income thresholds to ensure that support goes to those who need it most.
- Residency Requirements. Some programs may require students to be residents of the local area or state.
- Demonstrated Need. Students may need to provide proof of housing instability or financial hardship.
Picking the right student accommodation can be a bit daunting. This is especially true if you’re switching to online classes. Not only will you be adjusting to the new learning format but also to your new living space.
Here are some simple tips for choosing the best shared housing for online students:
Budget
First things first: figure out what you can actually afford as a student.
Begin with your weekly income from your part-time job or allowance, then subtract what you’ll need for rent, bills, groceries, and fun. If you’re new to living away from home, you might not know exactly what those bills will be, so it’s safer to overestimate.
Location
Sure, having a shiny new place close to work or in a trendy area would be great, but that might not be in the cards for you right now. Start by picking your favorite suburb, then throw in a few more with similar rent prices and vibes—don’t box yourself into just one option!
Think about what you want from your living situation. Are you looking for a social environment where you can meet new people, or do you prefer a bit more privacy?
A lively shared house might be ideal if you’re eager to make friends. But if you value your alone time, you might consider smaller shared options or a studio.
Visit Before You Sign
Definitely check out the place before you sign anything. Ask for a video or virtual tour if you can’t visit in person.
Tips for Reducing Housing Costs While Studying Online
Housing costs can be high but can also become manageable. With these tips, you can lower your housing expenses and save money for your plans while in college. Here are a few housing tips for online students to lower overall expenses:
Be smart about your location.
Finding the right student housing is all about location. Look for neighborhoods that fit your budget and are close to your campus or study spots. Ideally, choose a walkable or bike-friendly area to save on commute costs.
Negotiate for a better deal.
If you think you’ve found the perfect place, don’t hesitate to negotiate! Most listings start high, but you can often bring the price down. Consider getting a housing inspection to uncover any issues. If you need repairs, you can ask the landlord for a discount or ask them to cover the costs.
Be realistic with your choices.
Dreaming about your ideal student housing is great, but extras like a fancy balcony or a large common area can jack up the price. Before you start searching, think about what you can afford. A smaller, more affordable place can still be a great stepping stone while you plan for your dream housing later.
Keep your utility bills low.
Utilities can add up quickly—averaging around $400 a month. Here are some tips to help cut those costs:
- Electricity: Swap out old bulbs for LED ones and shop around for better energy plans.
- Water: Collect rainwater for your plants. A simple collection system can save you money.
- Cable and Internet: Look for bundle deals that combine your services for a fixed monthly rate.
Consider having roommates.
Having a roommate is one of the most cost-effective living arrangements for students. It can significantly lower your housing costs if you’re open to it. Just make sure to find someone whose lifestyle matches yours to keep the living situation smooth.
Additional Resources for Online Students Seeking Affordable Housing
Finding affordable student housing alternatives for online education has never been easy, thanks to the Internet. Here are some of the best resources and websites to find affordable housing as an online college student:
- Roomster: connects you with a vast network of students for secure and efficient housing options.
- Student.com: specializes in affordable shared accommodations tailored for college students.
- Roomi: helps you find verified renters and compatible roommates in your area.
- Zillow Rentals: offers a comprehensive database for diverse rental properties and shared housing.
- SpareRoom: features a roommate matching service based on lifestyle and preferences.
- Nestpick: provides month-to-month furnished rentals with valuable city insights for easy relocation.
- Roommates.co: connects you with potential roommates using its Perfect Match™ feature for compatibility.
- Bungalow: focuses on community living with fully furnished homes and flexible leases for students.
- College/University: provide resources and support for students seeking housing options. You can ask the school’s housing office how to find affordable housing for students in the area.
- Local Government: Local governments often offer housing assistance programs and resources for students and residents.
Conclusion: Finding Budget-Friendly Housing Solutions
Having a comfortable living space is very important. But you don’t have to spend a lot to be comfortable—saving money on housing can help you afford things like food and tuition!
Consider shared housing or co-living spaces to reduce rent and utility expenses. You can also check out community housing programs that offer affordable options tailored for students with financial needs. Look into local student residences, too; they often have flexible lease terms and a laid-back vibe.