LIVING ON CAMPUS vs. OFF CAMPUS
Not sure whether living on campus or off campus is the right choice for you? Check out our list of on campus benefits and potential off campus drawbacks to help you decide! Cost comparison Apply for housing!
On Campus
Off Campus
| Avoid Costly Fees | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: No application or administrative fees; $250 prepayment is applied towards fall quarter charges |
| Expect Costly Fees | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Expect application fee & administrative fee; security deposit required with no guarantee of refund |
| All Inclusive | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: Room, meal plan, utilities (energy, water, garbage) and internet are all included in one quarterly charge |
| Separate Charges | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Rent, utilities, internet are all billed separately each month; groceries are an additional expense |
| Furniture Included | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: Rooms are fully furnished; furnished lounge spaces provide study and hangout areas in the residence halls |
| Not Furnished | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Buying & moving furniture (including living room furniture such as a couch and TV) is another expense |
| Flexible Contract | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: No cancellation fees for studying abroad or mid-year graduation, summer housing is optional; contract reflects academic journey |
| Unflexible Lease | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Finding sublet for lease if unable to fulfill the year-long agreement, lease is unflexible regardless of academic journey |
| Wholesome Meals | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: Three buffet-style dining halls and several quick-service locations & markets provide easy, wholesome food options |
| Cooking Required | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning dishes can be time-consuming, costly, and difficult in a shared space |
| Quick Assistance | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: Quick and easy maintenance requests or room/building lockouts are fulfilled by University staff |
| Unresponsive Landlords | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Potentially unresponsive landlord may cause distress around maintenance issues or other problems |
| 24/7 Staff Support | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: 24/7 University staff availability for safety and support (on-call building staff, University Police, etc.) |
| No Staff Support | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: There is no 24/7 in-building staff availability for designated student safety and support |
| No Commute | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: No commute—live in walking distance of your classes, the library, rec center, and all campus resources |
| Commute Time | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: Having to spend time and money commuting to and from campus for classes and campus resources |
| Community Programs | |
|---|---|
| On Campus: Designated community programming and social opportunities provided within your residence hall |
| No Student Programs | |
|---|---|
| Off Campus: No built in programming; must find own opportunities for socializing and building community |
Cost Comparison
On Campus
$1,672 per month | This estimate is using 2026-27 rates for a value double room & 90 Quarter Block meal plan. Furniture, utilities & internet are included in rate. |
| $15,048 for 9-month contract | |
Cost Breakdown (estimated):
- Room Rate (double value): $1,155/month
- Meal Plan (90 Quarter Block): $517/month
- Energy: included in room rate
- Water: included in room rate
- Garbage: included in room rate
- Internet: included in room rate
Note: Room & Board is billed quarterly. The monthly estimate is provided for demonstrative purposes.
Off Campus
$1,755 per month | This estimate is using current average costs for rent in a shared 2-bedroom apartment, utilities, internet and groceries in Bellingham. |
| $21,060 for 12-month lease | |
Cost Breakdown (estimated):
- Rent (shared 2-bedroom apartment): $936/month
- Groceries & Food: $370/month
- Energy: $202/month (potentially higher in winter months)
- Water: $152/month
- Garbage: $45/month
- Internet: $50/month
Note: The above is a rough estimate. Costs can vary widely depending on rental unit and student habits in regard to groceries and heating/water usage, etc.