Your Guide to Living in On-campus Housing with Your Family
Welcome to our guide to family-friendly on-campus housing for online students. Here, we’ll discuss the factors to consider and tips for finding on-campus housing for your family. We’ll also discuss the five best online colleges for this purpose.
If you think that you’re alone in this pursuit, think again. Did you know that 26% of college students are raising dependent children? That’s 48 million college students. About 71% of these students are women, while 43% are single mothers, too. About 11% are single fathers.
Yes, online students with families can live in on-campus housing. However, the eligibility requirements and deadlines are strict. Be sure to check with your online college about these matters first.
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Why consider on-campus housing for you and your family in the first place? As an online student, you and your family can live in more affordable off-campus housing. However, the benefits of on-campus housing for online students make the costs worth it.
- Enjoy community support for both mental health and practical help
- Easy access to learning resources, student support services, and other facilities
- Convenience in attending on-campus events and activities
- Availability of family-centric features, such as playgrounds and childcare centers
Indeed, you can achieve a good balance between being a learner and a parent. The trick is choosing the right on-campus housing first. Then, it’s your job to take full advantage of the resources available.
Related Articles:
- 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
Why Family-Friendly On-Campus Housing Matters
Cost savings are the foremost benefit of affordable on-campus housing for students with families. The on-campus rental rates are usually more affordable than off-campus accommodations. At UMass Amherst, for example, the base room fee for family housing is $9,600 (August 1 – January 31) or $1,600/month. This is more affordable than off-campus housing, especially when utilities are considered.
Savings on transportation costs also come with on-campus housing for students with families. You, the student-parent, can walk or bike within the campus. Your children can take the school bus to their schools, free of charge usually. Oregon State, for example, offers family housing near pick-up points or K-12 schools.
And then there’s also the fact that financial aid can cover housing costs. You can apply for federal, state, and institutional student aid. Many organizations also offer financial aid for on-campus housing. Check out Section 8 federal aid, CHAP, and CCAMPIS for this purpose.
Of course, comfortable and spacious housing for you and your family is a must. You can create comfortable spaces for you, your partner, and your children. Think of communal spaces for lounging, dining, and playing. Then there are also private spaces for studying and sleeping. You and your family will thrive while you pursue your studies.
When you enjoy a good work-life balance at home, you’re better able to maintain your focus, too. Your academic productivity improves because you have more time to study. Look for a college with childcare services for this reason.
The learning resources and support services are within easy reach, too. You can spend more time on academic activities and less time on the commute and logistics.
The bottom line: Cost savings, comfort, and convenience. These are the three reasons why on-campus housing for online students matters.
Top Online Colleges Offering Family-Friendly Housing Options
We selected these online colleges with family housing for the following reasons.
- Has regional accreditation
- Offers online academic programs in a wide range of disciplines
- Provides a diverse range of affordable on-campus housing for students with families
- Has transparent policies about on-campus housing, including rates, contracts, and amenities
- Offers financial aid options that can cover housing costs
University of Florida
UF offers the best on-campus housing for online students with families, in our opinion. The public research university offers four affordable housing villages.
- The Corry Village has a children’s playground, community center, and residential parking. Every apartment comes with a full kitchen. Rent includes water and internet access. There’s also a laundry room, study room, and barbecue areas.
- The Diamond Village attracts eco-conscious students with its solar panels and rain barrels. There’s a child development center, playroom, and basketball court. Apartments have a full kitchen, and rent comes with water and Internet access.
- The Tanglewood Village features townhomes and apartments for family-style living. Residents enjoy free parking, a pool, playgrounds, and communal spaces.
- The Continuum units are for graduate and professional students with families. Rent includes furniture and appliances, Internet access, and cable.
UF’s rental rates and amenities enable students and their families to thrive in community settings.
Oregon State University
OSU offers a wide range of student housing options for families at Orchard Court. The 107-unit apartment complex is within walking distance of on-campus buildings. Take a bus or ride your car to get to off-campus facilities within minutes. The diverse community of students from different cultures makes for a vibrant community, too.
Students choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a community center, children’s play areas, and laundry rooms. Open grassy areas, barbecue areas, and community garden space contribute to its welcoming vibe.
Children can go to K-12 schools near the OSU campus, too. Bus stops are near Orchard Court.
Texas A&M University
TAMU’s University Apartments in Bryan/College Station provide comfortable accommodations. Students choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments. There’s also a wide range of floor plans to choose from. Every apartment has a private bathroom and comes fully furnished.
Married students and students with families live in The Garden Apartments. Students must be at least a sophomore to qualify.
Amenities include:
- On-site laundry facilities
- Community learning center
- Fitness room
- Outdoor playground
- Barbecue area
Maintenance and security personnel are on standby. The Gardens are also on the A&M bus route for easy transportation.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The UMass Amherst University Village features landscaped grounds and townhouses. There are 140 two-bedroom apartments for students with families. Every 1,000-square-foot apartment accommodates four persons (maximum limit).
Amenities in the apartments include modern HVAC, kitchen appliances, and laundry appliances. Wireless internet access and electricity are included in the rent. Monthly rent payments are accepted.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
UIUC offers two apartment communities for students with families. Besides comfortable accommodations, these communities also offer organized activities. There are preschool and after-school programs, too, which parents appreciate.
- Orchard Downs apartments come in many configurations. Students choose between furnished and unfurnished apartments. There’s a choice between one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Free on-site parking and laundry facilities are available. Water, trash, and sewer services are available, too. Residents enjoy cable and Internet access.
- Ashton Woods apartments are pet-friendly and air-conditioned accommodations. Two-bedroom apartments are either furnished or unfurnished. There’s 24/7 maintenance, free parking and laundry facilities, and a community center.
When you’re looking for college housing for online students, consider these colleges. You’ll agree that their accommodations and amenities welcome families like no other.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Family-Friendly Housing
Be sure to consider these factors when choosing from many on-campus housing for students with families.
Strategic location
If possible, choose an apartment within walking or biking distance from other buildings. Think of proximity to classroom buildings and libraries. You’ll save time and money while also being more engaged with the campus community.
Being near schools and daycare facilities is a must, too, if you have children. Consider the distance to grocery stores, hospitals, and stores.
Spacious, comfortable, and flexible space
There should be enough space for communal and individual spaces. The living and dining rooms, for example, must be distinct from the bedrooms. You should ideally have your study space, even if it’s in your bedroom.
Ask about the flexibility of the space, too. You may want to add furniture and furnishings to make your apartment comfortable.
Safety and security
Check for safety and security measures since you want to protect your family. Look for secure entrances, CCTV cameras, and on-site security personnel. Well-lit hallways and pathways are also a must.
Types, availability, and quality of amenities
There are a few more on-campus amenities for student families than for single students. Look for in-house facilities such as a full kitchen, parking, and laundry. Consider the shared community spaces, too, such as a community center and playgrounds.
Most importantly, strike a balance between quality and affordability. You want access to quality facilities and amenities in your family’s accommodations. But you must also consider the cost of the accommodations.
You want value for your money, especially when there are children. If you want a more comfortable and spacious apartment, it comes with a higher price. But if these will foster your family’s success while you’re in college, go for it.
Benefits of Living in Family-Friendly On-Campus Housing While Studying Online
Once you’re in one of the family housing options at online universities, you’ll enjoy these benefits.
Gain a supportive community for yourself and your family.
You and other students with families live in dedicated communities that, in turn, foster a sense of belonging. Your shared experiences can lead to sharing tips, hacks, and resources. Being in a community also means enjoying emotional and practical support. The best communities also organize events and activities that strengthen their connections.
Convenience of accessing campus resources while studying online.
Feeling isolated and disconnected is a common issue among online students. But when you’re living on campus, you’re connected to everything if you want. You’ll continue enjoying the flexibility of online programs but you’re also enjoying the accessibility of on-campus facilities.
Libraries, study spaces, and labs are within reasonable distance. Technology resources are within easy reach. In-person health and wellness resources are within minutes of your home. Plus, you’re in the loop of extracurricular activities, from game nights to bonfires.
And the best thing about it all – you can bring your family members and share experiences. Your college experience isn’t only for yourself anymore but a family experience.
Tips for Finding the Best Family-Friendly Housing
With so many factors to consider, finding the best accommodations can be challenging. Keep these useful tips in mind to overcome the challenge.
Do your research.
Start by looking at the housing information on the official college websites. Take note of the family-friendly accommodations and their prices, amenities, and inclusions. Read the official on-campus housing brochures, too. Check out the student reviews on third-party websites and talk to current students.
Compare housing accommodations.
Determine your housing needs and wants. What are your budget, preferred living conditions, and desired amenities? Make a comparison chart to make it easier. Determine if the rent includes utilities and other perks, such as parking and laundry.
Talk to the housing coordinators.
This is the best way to determine the quality and availability of housing support for student parents. The more helpful the housing coordinators, the better your stay can be. You must also ask the housing coordinators about specific housing policies and practices.
Visit the on-campus housing.
Finally, make an ocular inspection of the on-campus housing facilities if you can. There may be significant differences between what’s on the brochure and what’s actually there.
Lastly, always read and understand the lease terms and conditions. You want to sign the lease contract with your eyes wide open to possible violations.
Conclusion: Living Your Best Student Life with Your Family
Finding affordable housing for student families has its challenges. These include everything from meeting your budget to ensuring your family’s comfort. But when you find the right accommodations, you and your family can thrive as a unit.
Indeed, family-friendly housing options boost your productivity as a spouse, parent, and learner. There’s less of a struggle to find your balance in juggling your multiple roles. It shows in your academic progress, too, from active participation in class to good grades. There’s also the opportunity to share your college experience with your partner and children.