For many students, the switch to moving off campus means the chance for more freedom. But does it also necessarily mean more expenses?

Housing and Residence Life Director Charles Major thinks that while the pricing between living off campus and living on campus is comparable, there are more expenditures included when living in the dorms or in Chancellors Hall.

Food & Rent

“If someone tries to move off campus to save money, this isn’t a realistic goal, especially if you want to eat healthy,” Major said.

While Major thinks a meal plan would probably be a little more expensive than buying groceries at the store, he still thinks the two even out after everything is said and done. The time it takes to go to the grocery store, the labor to prepare it and the electricity used even out the prices, he added.

“Sometimes students are trying to save money by making their own food,” Major said. “They shouldn’t shortchange their health just to save a few dollars.”

Major said that living off campus might not be as healthy because the quicker, easier meals to make are not always the best for students.

Freshman Stephanie Slesar thinks that meal plans are a better deal.

“I think buying groceries is more expensive because it depends on how much you’re buying . it could go either way, though,” Slesar said.

Slesar lives in Putnam Hall and the cost for a double room for a semester on campus is $1,365.

Gunnar Hagen, of University Area Housing, said the typical rent he’s seen is between $285 and $315 per month, not including utilities.

Senior Eric Gustafson lives on Water Street with three roommates and pays a total of $320 per month, or $1,280 during a four month-long semester, $85 less than the dorms. Like Slesar, he thinks the meal plan is less expensive.

“I tend to buy myself more expensive food,” Gustafson said. “It would definitely be cheaper if you just ate Ramen . I go grocery shopping every two weeks and probably spend $80 to $100 each time.”

If Gustafson paid $100 each time at the grocery store for the four months in a semester, this would cost about $800 for the whole semester. This doesn’t take into account going out to eat, which Gustafson said he probably does twice a week as well. The cost for seven meals per week through the university for a semester is $1,115, which is $315 more per semester than Gustafson’s groceries.

Studying

For freshmen who are thinking about moving off campus, Major offers some advice.

“I would highly encourage students to live in residence halls for two years,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to ground yourself in a good, academic foundation.”

UW-Eau Claire, as well as other universities nationwide, has noticed an academic trend for those living on campus. In general, students who live on campus have higher grade point averages than those living off campus, Major said.

The mean GPA for undergraduate students living off campus last year was a 3.09, while students living in the residence halls obtained a 3.11. Major thinks he can explain this phenomenon.

“Students are closer to everything, have more of an opportunity and areas to study,” he said.

Off versus on

Gustafson said he moved off campus after three semesters to get his own personal space.

“Most people get out of the dorms at a certain age,” he said, adding he moved out even though he thought the dorms were cheaper.

Slesar thinks she’ll stay in the dorms for her sophomore year.

“I won’t have enough to pay . it’s an easier decision,” Slesar said. “I’ll move off campus my junior year.”

In the mean time, Slesar likes how many people you can meet in the dorms and that you don’t have to travel very far to get to class. She is excited to get off campus though, to be able to have more freedom and to just be.

Gustafson said he likes living off campus.

“It’s nice to have your own space, living room, kitchen, free parking and to be closer to restaurants and bars,” he said.

There are some things Gustafson misses about dorm life, such as the social aspect and having the meal plan and heat paid for.

Chancellors Hall offers many of the things that off campus residences do, Major said, and he thinks it’s a better option for upperclassmen than actually moving off of campus.

More upperclassmen are opting to stay on campus, as residence halls are holding 160 more upperclassmen than last year and 100 other students are living in the hotel, Major said.

“Upperclassmen want to have that academic advantage and still have amenities on campus,” he said.

Major said he thinks that living off campus is a good opportunity for juniors and seniors, though, if they want to try a different, more independent living style.

Safety

Another thing for students to consider is safety. Major said most students report feeling “safe or very safe” in the Eau Claire residence halls.

“Off campus, there’s a little more chance for people breaking in or worse,” he said. “By junior or senior year though, (students are) a little more aware of what (they’re) looking for.”

Hagen said he thinks living off campus is a better experience for upperclassmen.

“You have the chance to be on your own,” he said. “It’s your first step to having more responsibilities. You have to pay your utilities . living in the dorms is just like living in a hotel. You don’t have to worry about shoveling sidewalks . that’s what gets you ready for after college.”