Student housing is not the same as it once was; this change has been very dramatic in the past several years. Students no longer view the traditional dorm room as the best option when selecting their first places to live as students. Many students are searching for more than just a roof to sleep under. In 2026, students will be looking to live comfortably, flexibly, in community, and affordably.

Which is currently more popular, on-campus student housing or off-campus student housing? Let’s break it down into what students want the most, what they want to pay for it, and what benefits both types of student housing offer for them in the year 2026.

The Move to More Modern Living from Traditional Dorm Living

Historically, many first-time college students have always chosen on-campus housing as the top option available to them. On-campus housing was close to class, allowed an easy way to meet new friends, and had many safety measures built in. However, due to the pandemic that has taken over the world, the current generation of college students is valuing freedom, privacy, and overall living experience greater than ever before.

With purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs) being constructed near major university campuses, the move to off-campus living has become increasingly appealing because it combines both convenience and independence.

As of 2025, an estimated 68% of upper-year and international students are choosing off-campus living as their preferred housing option.

On-Campus Living: Traditional Meets Convenient:

Living on campus provides students with opportunities to interact and be part of the campus community through participation in a variety of events and activities based on the proximity of their residence halls to classes, libraries, fitness facilities, dining facilities, etc.

Benefits of Living On-Campus:

• Convenience: Students do not have to worry about how they will get to class when they live on campus because they walk to class.
• Have a built-in community: First-year students will have no trouble establishing social relationships and getting involved in clubs on campus.
• Making a Simplified Budget: Many students find it easier to manage their monthly budget when their rent, utilities, internet service, and sometimes food are all bundled together in one bill.

Cons of On-Campus Housing:

• Overall Higher Expense: Living at campus often results in a higher overall school expense compared to living off campus.
• Less Privacy: Living in a multi-bedroom apartment or dorm with multiple roommates and a shared bathroom means less of an individual private space than if the student were to live in an apartment or house off campus.
• Limited Choices: Students who live on campus typically are limited by strict rules as to what they can do, who can visit them, and the hours in which visitors can come visit them.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, in 2025, the average cost of on-campus housing is projected to be $10,000 -$15,000 a year on average, depending on location and meal plan chosen. Many students are currently seeking other ways to save money as they work toward their independence.

2. The Benefits of Living Off-Campus: More Independence, Less Restriction, and Value

When students live off-campus, they have the ability to determine their lifestyle. Off-campus housing includes everything from luxury-type apartments for students to shared budget-type apartments with other students, it has been designed for living the modern-day way of life for students. Examples would be college towns with off-campus housing, such as Gainesville, Florida, and Tempe, Arizona.

Advantages of Living Off-Campus: 

• Space and Privacy: You will have your own room, bathroom, and study area. 
• No restrictions on Lease Terms: You may choose between furnished and unfurnished and/or lease lengths; 
• Reduced Cost: Generally less expensive than on-campus dorms, particularly when you have roommates and share rent.

For example, you’ll find modern-style student rooms in Gainesville on Amberstudent, which have access to amenities such as rooftop swimming pools, exercise rooms, and study lounges, along with free shuttle bus service to the University of Florida in Gainesville. Additionally, an apartment located in the Tempe area of Arizona State University provides a resort feel with amenities like game rooms, co-working areas, and smart-home technology so students can live comfortably and connect with other students in a reasonable manner. 

Disadvantages of Living Off-Campus: 

• Commuting: You have to drive, cycle or use public transport; 
• Responsibility: You are responsible for utilities, cleaning and food; and 
• Finding a Good Landlord: Only use verified listings or trusted sources for rental properties/education.

3. What Will Students Be Looking For in 2026?

As a result of a 2021 survey done by our House Intelligence Group, we have learned that 60% of students choose to live off campus because they will be able to find an environment that suits their lifestyle, they find that off-campus housing offers a better value than what they find on campus (isn’t as concerned with price), and they want better amenities.

Factors Driving Student Rental Change:

Value: More for your money due to better offerings for the same price or less than living on campus.

Hybridity: Most college students today take at least one online class, so they do not need to live near their college.

Amenities: As students continue to grow and develop, their need for amenities continues to grow. Students expect to have access to gyms, common area study rooms, high-speed internet and even pet-friendly communities.

Community: During our focus group’s discussion session, we found that students living in an off-campus apartment enjoyed the same types of events and social opportunities as those living in community-managed dorms. However, students living off campus had far greater choices when it came to participating in those events and had much more freedom of choice than they would have had living in a dorm.

Popular student housing options by Amberstudent are prime examples of how off-campus housing has evolved into a lifestyle experience rather than just a living space.

4. Cost Comparison: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing in US

Note: Costs vary based on location, lifestyle, and amenities offered.

5: Figure out which option is best for you

Choosing between on-campus housing and off-campus housing can be a personal decision based on how you envision your education occurring. For example, a new student may want the convenience and accessibility of all of the available services associated with attending a college if that’s what you wanted to do. However, if you have completed a minimum of a year of schooling, you may want to live elsewhere, but may want a little more freedom than could be offered at a college, as well as the added value for your dollar offered when living in an off-campus apartment.

Final Thoughts: Blurring the Lines in 2025

In 2025, there will be many different types of student housing facilities that were built specifically as housing for students and that will continue to expand into providing all of the amenities that would be considered standard in other types of housing for students. Once you have determined the best option for you as a student, whether you are looking for traditional-style dorms or modern-style city apartments, think about what you want and need from the housing experience, not just what the cost of renting a room is.