Why Student Housing Amenities Matter
If you’re an online student, you should choose the best student housing amenities. Why? Because it can possibly make or break your academic success and college experience.
Indeed, the role of student housing in colleges has changed. Before, it was simple accommodations for out-of-town students. Today, it has become a strategic tool for student success. The best student housing builds supportive and sustainable living and learning communities.
Here, we’ll feature the top online colleges with student housing amenities that foster these communities. You’ll also learn effective strategies to choose the best housing for your needs.
Featured Programs
Why do quality amenities in on-campus housing matter in the first place? Here are the student housing benefits of online education.
- Foster a sense of community that lessens, if not eliminates, feelings of isolation. Study spaces, lounge areas, and other communal spaces are excellent for this purpose.
- Support academic success by allowing easy access to libraries, study spaces, and learning resources. Computer labs with high-speed Internet connections are also popular.
- Promote physical and mental health. Take advantage of fitness centers and outdoor spaces. Check out the counseling services, too.
- Make college life with its chores easier. Laundry and food service facilities are popular for this reason.
- Feel more safe and secure while enjoying college life. Amenities like secure access and gated entries make it possible.
Indeed, if you haven’t considered on-campus housing as an online student, you should now. You will enjoy a good balance between independence and community. Your college experience will be better for it. too.
Related Articles:
- Best Accredited Online Colleges with Low-Cost On-Campus Housing
- Guide to Finding Affordable Housing Near Your Online College
- Low-Cost Housing for Online College Students: Solutions for a Comfortable Education
What Makes a Great Student Housing Option?
When considering your housing options, look for these desirable features and amenities.
Affordable rates and financial aid coverage
Consider affordable student housing options first. Unless money is no object, go for the best that money can buy. But remember that the average cost of room and board is $12,990 per year.
Check if financial aid can cover part or all of the on-campus housing costs. Even when the cost of housing is within your budget, it’s still a good idea.
Strategic location
If possible, choose on-campus housing near your classroom buildings. You can avoid a mad dash to your classes (i.e., a short walk, increased convenience).
However, most colleges assign specific residence halls and apartment buildings to specific populations. For example, freshmen students have their own residence halls. In this case, the best you can do is apply ASAP to get the best spot.
Effective safety and security measures
Secure building access, surveillance cameras, and on-site security personnel are great features. Check the hallways and pathways to see if these are well-lighted, too.
Modern, comfortable, and quality amenities
Student life amenities in online colleges can make or break your college experience. Remember that college isn’t only about academics – it’s also about extracurriculars. The amenities in on-campus housing must foster a well-rounded student life.
Here are the quality amenities that you should look for in on-campus housing.
- Furnished rooms with beds, tables and chairs, and closets
- Common areas for students to gather and socialize, such as lounge areas
- Kitchens, whether ensuite or shared, with appliances (e.g., stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators)
- Laundry facilities with washers and dryers
- High-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access throughout the building or in designated areas
- Study rooms for individual study and group work, preferably with well-lighted spaces
- Fitness centers or mini-gyms
- Outdoor spaces, such as courtyards and patios
- On-site parking for residents and guests
The best on-campus housing also has in-house social events that foster a sense of community. Themed parties, game nights, and outdoor barbecues are popular.
A positive living atmosphere where students and staff maintain professional relationships is a must, too. Check if the buildings also have accessibility features, such as ramps. Sustainability initiatives, such as recycling and energy-efficient appliances, are also desirable features.
Most importantly, the on-campus housing must have effective property management and maintenance services. Clean and comfortable environments promote a good student life.
Top Online Colleges with the Best Student Housing Amenities
We chose these five online colleges with dorms and other housing options for their excellent amenities.
University of Southern California
USC offers three types of housing facilities for online students:
- Residence halls feature communal lounges, workout areas, and study rooms. Students share community bathrooms, too.
- Suites feature ensuite bathrooms, modern furniture, and several lounge areas. There are also study rooms, laundry facilities, and landscaped courtyards.
- Apartments provide more privacy and independence. These offer a more home-like environment for students.
Every type of housing offers different amenities. All types of housing have faculty-in-residence, resident assistants, and mentors. There is also a wide range of activities and events in each housing.
Spaces for meetings, events, and programs are also available.
Arizona State University
Every resilience hall at ASU offers quality amenities. We’re hard-pressed to say which one’s the best since it’s a matter of opinion. Every residence hall, however, has the following modern amenities:
- Furnished rooms with a bed, desk and chair, and closet space
- Wi-Fi access
- Cable access
- Laundry facilities
- Community study and recreation areas
Living and learning communities promote student success, too. Students live with their classmates and peers, so there’s a sense of community. Every student has access to tutoring and advising services, too.
Oregon State University
OSU’s on-campus housing options include 15 residence halls. Accommodations range from single rooms to suites with varying rates and amenities. All rooms have basic furniture and free high-speed Wi-Fi connection.
While every residence hall has specific types and quality of amenities, all of them feature:
- Fitness center
- Common lounge areas
- Free laundry facilities
- Kitchenettes open 24/7
- Live-in student staff
- Full-time professional residential education coordinator
OSU’s maintenance staff members are known for their responsiveness to student issues.
University of Texas at Arlington
UTA offers residence halls and apartments as its housing options. Residence halls have these amenities:
- All-inclusive utility package
- Free high-speed internet and Wi-Fi service in common areas and bedrooms
- Unlimited access to laundry facilities
- Community kitchen
- Air-conditioning
- Ice and vending machines
- Study and TV lounge
- Barbecue zone
- Courtyard with balcony, picnic, and study areas
- Bicycle racks
- Computer lab
- Card-controlled access
- Ping-pong and pool tables
Apartments have these amenities that make them your second home:
- All-inclusive utility package
- Free high-speed internet access
- Washer and dryer in every apartment
- Dishwasher, refrigerator, and self-cleaning stove
- Ceiling fans
- Swimming pool access
- Walk-in closets
- Spacious bedrooms
Note that apartments aren’t furnished.
Florida International University
FIU’s emphasis on sustainability in its residence halls makes for a unique student experience. Plus, it helps to keep costs down. Students are encouraged to participate in the sustainability initiatives.
Furthermore, FIU offers among the most cost-effective housing options for students. Rental rates start at $985/person/semester (early fall) at Panther Hall. Rates for the fall and spring terms start at $2,801/person/semester. Financial aid is available.
There are several choices in Themed Communities, too. Students live with like-minded peers and enjoy a well-rounded student life.
FIU also offers fully furnished suites and a private student living facility, too. These are more expensive but offer the best amenities for students and easy access to off-campus sites.
Every residence hall has specific amenities. Panther Hall, for example, offers these amenities:
- Community kitchens
- Laundry room
- Shared bathrooms
- Mattresses in bedrooms
- Refrigerator
- Resident assistants
Parkview Hall features apartments with 15 resident assistants. Each apartment features these amenities:
- Full kitchen
- Living room
- Laundry room
- Full mattress
- Shared bathrooms
Bayview Student Living includes studio apartments and private rooms with designer furniture packages. Students have access to the pool area, 24/7 fitness center, and sky lounge.
Comparing Housing Amenities Across Different Online Colleges
When you compare student housing in colleges, look first at their affordability. Your best choices are the public online colleges, such as FIU and ASU. These online colleges usually have affordable rental rates in addition to affordable tuition and fees. Plus, you can apply for financial aid for room and board.
Every online college featured here offers modern and comfortable student housing amenities. FIU, for example, provides topnotch amenities that can rival amenities offered at USC. Even in the same online college, there will be differences in the quality of amenities available among residence halls.
Again, it will boil down to your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. You may want, for example, to live in an on-campus apartment but current finances make it untenable.
You must also consider that on-campus student housing isn’t the only factor in choosing an online college. Academic majors, student support services, and faculty credentials are also crucial. Accreditation and reputation for academic excellence must be considered, too.
How to Choose the Right Student Housing Option for Your Needs
Here are useful tips on how to choose student housing at online colleges that fit your needs.
- Determine your budget first. On-campus housing usually has all-inclusive rates. But consider the cost of the meal plans, too, which are billed separately. Consider your estimated financial aid for room and board.
- If possible, choose a strategic location, such as near your classrooms. But if the college doesn’t allow it, be familiar with its surroundings. Get a campus map and determine the distances between your housing and other facilities.
- Research the amenities. Start with the official housing page. Then, check out the residence halls and apartments. Often, a look-see proves or disproves what’s on the page.
- Decide the types and quality of amenities that meet your budget and personal preferences. Remember that with every amenity offered, there’s likely a corresponding price. Determine which amenities are important for your comfort and convenience.
- Talk to students who live in on-campus housing for their feedback.
- Check the terms and conditions of the lease, too.
Think of choosing on-campus accommodations as selecting your home away from home. You want to look at it from every possible angle.
Understanding the Costs of Student Housing at Online Colleges
On-campus student housing costs consist of several components. Being aware of these cost components means setting realistic expectations when budgeting.
Basic housing fee
This is the amount stated on the housing rates for the academic year. At UTA, for example, Arlington Hall’s double suite costs $5,904 per academic year. Students pay said amount only. There’s no need to pay for utilities and use of amenities.
Meal plans
In most cases, students in residence halls pay for meal plans, which are billed separately from the room. Meal plans per academic year range in cost from $1,000 for basic meal plans to $6,000+ for premium meal plans.
Room furniture, furnishings and supplies
Even with a fully furnished room, you will buy more furniture, furnishings and supplies. Budget $100-$500 for these things, depending on your needs.
Insurance
If possible, get renters insurance, although it isn’t mandatory for on-campus accommodations. Check if your current insurance policy covers it. If not, budget $10-$30 per month.
Be sure to consider transportation and miscellaneous expenses, too. You may well spend upwards of $1,000 per month on all these costs. Again, apply for financial aid to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, particularly on room and board.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Student Housing Amenities
When you’ve chosen the best on-campus housing for your needs, your next job is to make the most of its amenities.
- Take part in community-building activities, such as social events.
- Get to know your fellow residents and create friendships.
- Use the study spaces and other learning resources to advance your academics.
- Take advantage of the fitness centers, outdoor spaces, and counseling services.
- Communicate with the staff members, including housing coordinators. Get information about the available resources offered in the residence hall.
- Share resources, such as kitchen appliances, with your fellow residents.
Be the type of resident that makes student life better, too. Being respectful yet assertive works in residential living.