Living Off Campus in College With Self Storage
Living On Campus vs. Off Campus
Every college has its reasons for making you stay in the dorms your first year—and sure, it’s exciting at first. You’re finally on your own, meeting new people, figuring out how to microwave pasta, and trying to pretend sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers is totally fine.
But the magic fades. Fast.
Suddenly you’re living in a concrete shoebox with a stranger who’s either never there… or always there. Your privacy? Nonexistent. Your space? Laughable. Your immune system? Under constant attack. And don’t even get us started on the shared fridge. But the good news? You don’t have to do this forever. Off-campus life is out there.
Is Living Off Campus Cheaper?
In NYC, one year rentals and short-term subleases are everywhere. There's also the option to live away from campus and outside the city where rent can be way more reasonable. Plus, living off campus means you get to call the shots. Want to skip the dining hall mystery meat and cook your own meals? Go for it. Want to split bills with roommates? Even better.
Before you sign up for another year in dorm life purgatory, do your homework—on your living options and your finances.
Benefits of Living Off Campus in a Co-Op
In cities where rent makes your bank account cry, co-living spaces offer a way in. They're built for short-term stays, tight budgets, and communal vibes.
But let’s keep it real. They also come with tradeoffs. You’ll probably have a study-friendly setup, but personal space? Not so much. Most co-ops expect shared spaces to be spotless, minimal, and Marie Kondo–approved. You’ll be lucky if you get enough closet space for your Tuesday shoes, let alone your off-season coats and extra bedding.
That’s where self storage in NYC comes in clutch. Stash the essentials you don’t use every day—like winter wear, private files, or anything that might raise eyebrows (no judgment). You do you—we’ll keep it safe.
Moving Off Campus into a Shared Rental
The dream: You and your friends rent a cute Monica and Rachel style apartment off campus. You set your own rules, cook your own meals, and finally get the bathroom all to yourself.
The reality: Three toasters. Two sofas. A roommate with a full drum set. Someone cutting their toenails in the kitchen. Another forcing their homemade Kombucha on you. And no one willing to part with “their” blender.
Living in a shared rental means compromise—and a whole lot of duplicate stuff. Storage is the ultimate roommate referee. You don’t have to toss your extra furniture or fight over shelf space. Just store it nearby. That way, if something breaks or someone bails mid-semester, you’ve got a backup ready to go.
Off-Campus Living With Your Family
Out of state tuition is expensive. We’ll say it again: Out of state tuition is expensive. If the college of your dreams lies outside of your state borders, finding a workaround to qualify for in-state pricing is crucial to keeping costs down. Luckily, most colleges will exempt you from dorm requirements if you live with a family member. Living with any aunts, uncles, grandparents, or cousins can qualify you, but check with your school and your relatives before you decide this is the path for you. It can be awkward to live with family sometimes, especially nosy grandpas or the family dog.
It’s important for you to be able to make your living space a home for yourself. If all you’re surrounded by is Grandma’s ceramic doll collection, you may not be able to express yourself the way that you want to. Work with your family to find ways to make room for yourself in their home by storing their décor as you put up your own. A storage unit can hold it for as long – or as little – as you need. Keep in mind that this is never an easy conversation, so be prepared to convince someone to store things they don’t need.
Student Storage Solutions for Studying Abroad
Some students choose to take their education on the road and study abroad as a way to grow their horizons - but what do you do with all your stuff while you’re away? Most students who study abroad are gone anywhere from a semester to a whole year, and you can’t travel with all your usual apartment and dorm supplies. A student self storage unit is the perfect solution for any college student who will be studying out of the country - and with our flexible monthly leasing, it is easy to rent for as long as you need.
Renting Student Storage with Manhattan Mini Storage
Want to make off-campus life less cluttered and more comfortable? Find a Manhattan Mini Storage location near campus and give yourself the space you need to thrive—without tripping over someone else’s panini press.
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