For incoming students, few questions feel as urgent as where to live and how much it will cost. That concern makes sense. Choosing between living on campus or off campus is an important milestone along the college journey. It can shape everything from your daily routine to your social life.
Living on campus has long been considered a key part of the college experience. For many first-year students, the convenience alone is a major draw. Classrooms are close, dining halls are nearby, and student activities are always happening. The experience feels immersive and exciting, especially during that first year. Still, the practical question remains: how much does it cost to live on campus? Let’s break it down.
Finding housing that works best for you
Before getting into the numbers, it’s worth taking a moment to think about your personal and financial situation. Campus housing offers more than just a place to sleep and study. It provides a built-in community where friendships form naturally and opportunities for involvement are often just steps away.
Plus, parents usually appreciate the structure and sense of security that campus housing can offer. Students, meanwhile, often value the easy access to academic resources, dining options, and social events.
Off-campus housing, by contrast, offers a different experience and often greater independence. Without the structure of dorm life, students take on responsibilities like paying rent, managing utilities, preparing meals, and commuting to class. These tasks can be challenging at first. Over time, they help build valuable life skills, including budgeting, time management, and problem-solving. For some students, the added freedom is a meaningful part of the college experience, often leading third and fourth-year university students to move off campus as they get used to living away from home.
Average student housing costs
While the annual cost of room and board varies by college, as of 2022-2023, the average student housing cost at most four-year universities was $12,639 for public institutions and $14,406 for private institutions.
On-campus costs differ
The cost of housing for university students is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from institutional policies to external market conditions. Understanding these elements helps students make informed decisions about whether to live on or off campus.
University policy
Different institutions establish their own housing policies, which may include mandatory residency requirements and bundled services. At University of Bridgeport, all full-time students under the age of 21, with fewer than 90 credits, and whose primary addresses are more than 30 miles from campus, are required to live on campus.
Such policies ensure a consistent residential community but also directly impact housing costs by limiting off-campus options for certain students.
Room type
How much does it cost to live in a dorm? Accommodation styles play a significant role in determining housing expenses for on-campus students.
For example, the price per semester for a double-occupancy room at any of UB’s three main undergraduate dormitories is $8,420, while a single-occupancy room is $10,110. Students must weigh the financial trade-off between privacy and affordability when selecting their housing arrangement.
University of Bridgeport is where opportunities meet support and where futures take shape.
Meal plan
Meal plans can either be optional or mandatory, depending on the institution. At UB, meal plans are required for undergraduates (except those in break housing or summer internships), and costs are based on the two available block plans (commuter meal plans include either a $350 or $550 cost, depending upon the number of meal swipes). All meal plan fees are included in the total housing cost, which simplifies budgeting but may increase overall expenditure.
Utilities
Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet often add extra costs for students living off campus. UB includes utilities in both undergraduate and graduate housing fees, making on-campus living more predictable and convenient.
Location
A university’s location will often influence the cost of tuition; this impact equally affects the cost of housing for both on-campus and off-campus students.
So, how much does it cost to live near UB? Well, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bridgeport is about $1,875 per month (excluding utilities), while on-campus housing at UB for a single-suite room with a residential meal plan, which includes utilities, averages roughly $1,968 per month.
Although the prices appear comparable, students should consider the additional expenses of off-campus housing, including utilities, furniture, amenities, meals, and commuting costs. These hidden costs can significantly increase the total price of living, making on-campus housing a potentially more affordable and convenient option than it may initially appear.
Living on campus at University of Bridgeport
Living on campus at University of Bridgeport provides students with convenience and quality living. Undergraduates can choose from several on-campus housing options designed to support their academic and social life. Graduate students also have access to a wide variety of accommodations, and utilities are included in all on-campus housing units. Meal plans are optional for graduates, though students may still select either block plan. The close proximity of residence halls to campus and dining facilities ensures a safe and accessible environment, especially ideal for first-year students and undergraduates eager to explore university life.
Off-campus housing options
Off-campus housing demands high levels of independence and flexibility, offering responsible students the chance to tailor their living arrangements to personal preferences. Bridgeport, CT, offers a range of housing options, and University of Bridgeport provides helpful resources for students to find suitable accommodations. These resources are intended to guide students in making informed decisions about their living arrangements beyond campus.
The key to student housing success
Incoming undergraduate students should evaluate the expense of campus housing when selecting a plan that best fits their situation. Upperclassmen and graduate students may weigh alternative considerations, including the option of off-campus living, which can provide greater autonomy.
University of Bridgeport is committed to offering students the highest quality education and housing resources, ensuring that every student feels supported as they navigate housing and other questions throughout the upcoming academic year.