Moving out for College

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Moving out for college is the beginning of chasing those new dreams.

It is an exciting yet uncertain time in which people search for independence.

Picture this: you are on the brink of an exciting new chapter in your life, with everything packed up and now fully prepared to leave the comfort of home.

An estimated 60% of all US students relocate to another city, town, and sometimes even state each year to prepare for life in a post-secondary environment.

It's more than just moving into a new space… It's moving you into a new head space.

Moving out for college is the right of passage for many. You get to travel and try different environments, meet a bunch of new people from different backgrounds and cultures, and even develop yourself academically and personally.

Research has found that students who live on or near campus are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities than their commuting peers.

Their presence on campus correlates with greater social interaction and other facets that enhance the college experience while improving their outcomes​.

Still, it is a tough road ahead. Current research indicates that as many as 40% of first-semester students feel homesick at some point in the first few weeks.

Even so, a strength for some students about the moving out process is that it has made them "more resilient and better prepared for the workforce." It is not just the academic learning; these are the skills that teach us how to survive in life.

For students living in the U.S., an average cost of living allowance for rent, utilities and food can be anywhere from $10,000 -15,000 per year, depending upon where you live and your housing choice.

Having said that, if you are one of them in the middle of the crossroads, just step into the unknown.

The big picture of moving out for college isn't just about actually leaving; it's about stepping into a life that will be changed by your dreams

Why Do Students Move Out for College?

Every year, thousands of students in the U.S. make the big decision to leave home for college.

According to recent National Center for Education Statistics statistics, approximately 60% of undergraduates live away from home during the academic year​.

There are several reasons why students choose to move out:

Better Educational Opportunities: Some colleges offer unique programs and facilities that may not be available locally.

Independence: Moving away from home forces students to learn self-reliance, from managing finances to doing laundry.

Personal Growth: Living in a new place and meeting people from diverse backgrounds can be enriching.

Benefits of Moving Away for College

Moving out can be a life-changing experience.

Here are some key benefits of moving away for college:

Greater Independence: Living away from parents provides an opportunity to learn life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and time management.

New Social Circle: It’s a chance to meet new people and expand your network.

Exposure to New Cultures: If you move to a different state or region, you will encounter different lifestyles, which broadens your perspective.

Career Opportunities: Being closer to your college can provide better access to internships, part-time jobs, and networking events that could boost your career.

Pros and Cons of Moving Out for College

Before making this life-changing decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of moving out for college:

Pros:

Personal Growth: Living independently gives personal development and decision-making skills.

New Experiences: It is always exciting and transformative to explore a new city or state.

Focused Study Environment: Being on or near campus often means fewer distractions, which makes it easier to focus on studies.

Cons:

Cost: Living on your own or in college dorms can be significantly more expensive than living at home.

Homesickness: Being away from family and friends can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation.

Responsibility Overload: Initially, it can be stressful to manage different aspects of human life alone. 

Move out for College – A Step-by-Step Checklist

Moving out for college is a big step, and there’s a lot to think about beyond just packing your bags.

Let’s break down everything you need to consider to get you ready for the big move.

Research and Choose Your Housing Option

First thing is first you need to establish where you are going to live. Housing: on-campus dorms, off-campus apartments, private student housing

On-Campus Dorms: These are generally convenient and offer easy access to campus facilities. The average cost of dorms for a shared room​ranges from $8100 to $13500 per academic year.

Off-Campus Apartments: This option can limit your housing search to off-campus apartments and requires you to lease, manage utilities, and furnish the apartment. The cost varies from $5,400 to $22,500 per student per year for shared or single apartments, respectively.

Private Student Housing provides amenities like gyms, study rooms, and social events. Its costs usually range between $9,000 and $18,000 per year.

Tip: If you are choosing an off-campus apartment, try to finalize your lease at least 3-6 months before the move to secure a good deal.

Set a Realistic Budget and Start Saving Early

The first thing you need to do is determine your budget before moving out.

Add up your estimated expenses for housing and utilities, food, transportation, and miscellaneous.

Create a Budget Plan: You can follow different budget tracking to keep an eye on your money spending.

Start Saving Early: Plan to save $1,000 – $2,000 for a rainy day during your first few months.

Find Part-Time Work or Internships: The U.S. Department of Education reports that 43 % of all full-time college students have a job in addition to school obligations. A job that can fit into a set class schedule.

Make a Packing List

Packing is not just dumping clothes in a suitcase.

Make Packing List According To:

Clothing: Pack clothing for the climate at your college location. Proper business attire is a must for interviews or presentations.

Bedding and Bathroom Essentials: Most dorm room beds are twin XL. Seriously, get sheets that actually fit your mattress.

Electronics: Laptop, phone, chargers, power strips, and any other gadgets you rely on.

Kitchenware: If living off-campus, bring basic kitchen items like a microwave, mini fridge, and cooking utensils.

Study Supplies: Organize your academic supplies, textbooks, notebooks, and planners.

Tip: Label your boxes by room (e.g., “Bathroom,” “Bedroom”) to make unpacking easier.

Sort Out Your Finances

You need to be financially independent.

And here is what you need to think about:

Set Up a Bank Account Near College: If your existing bank doesn't have any branches around your new school, open an account at a bank that offers ATMs and other branches near campus.

Check Your Student Loans: You can save yourself a lot of trouble by learning your loan terms, grace periods and repayment schedules.

The Federal Reserve reports that the typical student loan debt upon graduation is nearly $37,000.

Get a Credit Card: Get a student credit card to build credit. Just be cautious about spending and always pay on time!

Arrange Transportation

Car or No Car?: If you are relocating to a major city with strong public transportation, this may save dollars without the requirement of obtaining your own car. But a car might be necessary if you live in a more suburban or rural area.

Parking Permits: If you plan to bring a car, you must obtain a campus parking permit. Parking is $50 – $200 per semester.

Public Transportation: Many colleges give students discounted bus, train, and subway fares.

Tip: If you’re moving to a city, use Google Maps to familiarize yourself with the public transportation system beforehand.

Confirm Health Insurance and Medical Needs

Colleges usually offer student health insurance plans, but you can also stay under your parent's plan until age 26.

Where to Go for Health Services: Locate the nearest clinics, hospitals, and mental health services. Some colleges have on-campus clinics that offer free or reduced-cost services.

Keep an Emergency Kit: Always have an emergency kit that contains items like pain relievers, allergy medications, and first-aid supplies.

Tip: Keep a copy of your health insurance card and a list of any medications you take.

Coordinate with Roommates

If you’re going to have roommates, it’s a good idea to coordinate what each person will bring. You don’t want to end up with three microwaves and no couch!

Set Up a Shared Document: Use Google Sheets to list out items each person is bringing, like kitchenware, cleaning supplies, or small furniture.

Discuss Living Rules: Establish boundaries and expectations early on. Talk about cleaning schedules, shared spaces, and quiet hours.

Make Friends When Moving For College

One of the biggest challenges of moving out for college is making new friends.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about being in a new place surrounded by strangers.

But don’t worry—everyone else is in the same boat!

Here’s what you can do to make friends:

Join Clubs, Organizations, and Interest Groups

One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining clubs and organizations.

Did you know that students who participate in extracurricular activities are 42% more likely to report a higher sense of belonging at their college​?

Most colleges offer a wide range of student-run groups, from academic societies to recreational clubs like hiking or photography 

Attend Social Events and College Mixers

College campuses are buzzing with social events, especially during the first few weeks of school. These events are designed to help students get to know each other in a relaxed and fun setting.

Orientation Week Events: Don’t skip orientation week! These events are specifically designed to help freshmen and transfer students connect.

Around 78% of new students who attended orientation events reported making at least one friend during the first week​.

Game Nights and Movie Screenings: Many colleges organize weekly events like trivia nights, game nights, or movie screenings. Even if you don’t know anyone, these events are perfect for sparking conversations.

Tip: If you’re feeling shy, bring a roommate or classmate along to events. It’s easier to approach new groups when you have someone by your side.

Be Open and Approachable

This might sound cliché, but taking the first step is often the key to making friends.

Many students feel just as nervous about meeting new people as you do, so a small gesture like a smile or a simple “Hey, are you going to the event later?” can go a long way.

Get a Part-Time Job on Campus

Get a part-time job on campus is an excellent way to meet people while doing something productive. 

Campus Jobs: Take a job at the library, student center, or a campus café. Being a part of a work environment helps you interact with other students and staff.

Join Student Government: If you enjoy organizing or leading, student government offers a platform to meet new people and make a real impact on campus.

Financial Aspects of Moving Out for College

Financial planning is one of the most critical parts of your college move, and it’s not just about the rent.

There are several factors that you will need to consider to get an idea of what it’s going to co

Housing Cost

This is generally the lions-share of your budget. Be it on-campus dorms, apartments on rent or even private student housing — costs for each are poles apart according to where your college is.

In urban areas like New York City or Los Angeles, a month of rent could cost $1,500 to $2,500, while smaller college towns could charge between $600 and $1,200.

Utilities 

When moving off-campus, do not only consider the cost of rent. You will also consider utilities such as electricity, water, heating and internet.

In the summer, these can add up, too, particularly if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions like mine.

 Total monthly utilities can range from $150 to $400, depending on the season and energy usage

Food Groceries

Eating out or cooking at home? Either way, food will eat up a significant portion of your budget. The average student now like…. spends $200 to $400 a month on food (good if you prep, bad if you grab McD everyday). You can bring that number way down if you cook at home, but hey, time is money.

Transportation

Whether you have a car or rely on public transportation, you will need to account for travel expenses.

Having a car means insurance, gas, parking permits, and potential maintenance costs.

Public transportation costs can vary depending on location and usage.

Textbooks and Supplies

The average student spends $500 to $1,000 per year on textbooks and other academic supplies, such as notebooks, calculators, and software subscriptions.

Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses

Don’t forget the “little things” like toiletries, laundry, gym memberships, and entertainment.

These can range from $100 to $300 per month based on your lifestyle.

Health and Insurance

If you are moving out, check if you will need to get your own health insurance or if you are still covered under your parent's plan.

Student health plans can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on coverage options.

Total Annual Cost Estimate

Let’s pull it all together for a better overview.

Here’s an approximate breakdown for an off-campus student living in a shared apartment: