Off-campus living offers benefits, drawbacks

After looking at location, amenities and most importantly, cost, deciding to live in a house or an apartment can be one of the hardest decisions throughout college.

James Charles Weed, a junior finance major from Dallas, lived through on-campus residency for two years before he and his family took a risk and bought a house in Lubbock. Weed said he always knew he wanted to live in a house because he wanted space that was more free and open.

“I saw it as an investment opportunity,” Weed said. “Even though it may have been more money up front, I’m able to charge my roommates rent, and they basically pay for the mortgage.”

Weed said he loves having his own backyard and the opportunity to pick his own furniture. With living away from his family, he said living in a house is more comfortable and gives him the feeling of home. After graduation, Weed said he and his family plan on leasing the house to college students.

A difficulty that arises though, he said, is finding maintenance help, opposed to having maintenance on property to help that same day. Also, in dorms and apartments, the people around are closer in age, so he said when moving to a house, some of the social connection is lost.

With some college students wanting to invest in a house, Gary Gates, a Stacey Rogers Group realtor, said the public should look at their budget, location, and characteristics they want in a house.

“You’re essentially investing your own money into a property that’s going to get you a return,” he said. “For renting, you pay towards your landlord, and you don’t own anything.”

If planning on living in the house for over five years, Gates said it would save money over time because people can either sell the house to get the money back or lease to other students to pay for the mortgage.

Although being in a house is more responsibility, he said the benefits of a house are worth it – including your own rules, no community walls and the ability to change the house with paint and construction.

With the Lubbock housing market stable and growing, Gates said people still should not rush with buying a house because it is one of the biggest decisions in life.

“Search all options,” he said. “Some people need to rent. It’s better for them.”

Regardless of renting or buying, Gates said to speak with a professional through the process to decide what best fits them.

“We do it everyday,” he said, “so we can help eliminate risk that tenants and homeowners have when purchasing or renting a property.”

Megan Roberts, a senior advertising major from Frisco, transferred from Stephen F. Austin State University after her freshman year. After discussing with people she knew at Tech and touring some of the properties, she decided on U Club Townhomes. Although she was scared to live with some unknown people, she said it turned out good and is still friends with some.

At the end of her sophomore year, she chose to move into a two-bedroom apartment at The Republic with a close friend. Although she loved the space, Roberts said she did not favor the distance from campus.

With graduating in December, Roberts said only a few places had six-month leases, so she picked the Suites at Overton Park for a one-bedroom.

“I like being social, so I’m not home much, but it’s nice when I just want to go home and relax,” she said. “I miss having a roommate though.”

After graduation, she would have lived in three different apartment complexes in Lubbock. Roberts said she liked moving to encounter different places with other people, and it helps avoid the possibility of getting tired of a property.

Roberts said students should ask others about their experiences and tour the properties in person before deciding on a location to live. Living closer to campus is more convenient, she said.

“You may have friends in the same complex as you or make friends, so it’s easier to spend time with them and make plans,” she said. “It’s close to living in a dorm.”

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