The Pros and Cons of Living On-Campus vs. Off-Campus in Fort Collins

Discover the benefits and drawbacks of living on-campus versus off-campus in Fort Collins. Make an informed choice for your college living experience.

The Pros and Cons of Living On-Campus vs. Off-Campus in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a home-rule municipality located in the US state of Colorado. This place is becoming widely popular today for providing higher education to worldwide students. Colorado State University is a major educational institute in Fort Collins. This university ranks #409 among 1500 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. 

When international students enroll in Fort Collins, their major requirement remains accommodation. Both on-campus and off-campus accommodations are available in Fort Collins, which have both pros and cons. Here, you will read about the pros and cons of living in on-campus and off-campus student accommodations in Fort Collins 

On-Campus Accommodations 

  • Pros 

On-campus accommodations are located on or attached to your university campus. Therefore, you live in close proximity to your university. You can use the university facilities even when you are in your accommodation, such as libraries, gyms, etc. Moreover, you live with other students of your own university. So, on-campus student accommodation Fort Collins is considered good for socialization with your university-mates. 

Moreover, on-campus accommodations have tight security; therefore, you are fully safe there. The university takes the entire responsibility of safeguarding the students. 

  • Cons 

The major disadvantage of living in on-campus accommodation is that you get very less or no privacy. Dorms are filled with residents most of the time. Besides, on-campus accommodations are provided for limited periods to students compared to off-campus student housing Fort Collins. Sometimes, you may have to leave accommodation during vacations and make other arrangements for your stay if you decide to stay in Fort Collins during that period. 

Furthermore, there are very few chances of bargaining while selecting on-campus accommodation in Fort Collins. You also have to follow some strict rules during your stay in on-campus accommodation. 

Off-Campus Accommodation 

  • Pros 

Off-campus accommodations have freedom compared to on-campus accommodations and the rules are not so strict. You can arrange parties with friends in off-campus student apartments Fort Collins. Besides, off-campus accommodations boast numerous high-end as well as basic amenities such as 24-hour fitness centers, sports courts, games rooms, BBQs, internet connections, clubhouses, study desks with chairs, study rooms, storage spaces, and more. 

Moreover, accommodations are available in different price ranges in off-campus accommodations so you can easily get a place as per your affordability. Furthermore, you can get accommodation for longer periods compared to on-campus accommodations and you don’t need to vacate accommodation during holidays if you decide to stay in Fort Collins at that time. Off-campus accommodations host students from different universities and colleges; therefore, you get opportunities to befriend students from different institutes. 

  • Cons 

However, some off-campus accommodations are available near universities but sometimes you find accommodation as per your preferences and budget far from your university. In that case, you have to spend a longer time commuting and spend money on transportation. Besides, it is not very easy to access the university resources and activities if you live in off-campus accommodation. Unlike on-campus accommodations, you have to take your responsibility on your own in off-campus accommodations.