University of Virginia - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Most students think living off campus is definitely worth it. Not only do you get a taste of the real world, but in doing so, you generally have an absolute blast. There are drawbacks to having to decide so early (fall/winter of first year) whether or not to sign a lease and with whom you will live the following year. Certainly, there is a lot of pressure, and at first, it is a bit overwhelming setting up and paying the monthly rent and utilities, but the payoff is great. Students generally love the freedom, the fun, and the comfortable feel of living in your own place surrounded by virtually all students in their own houses or apartments—not to mention that the house/apartment parties are a lot of fun. The opportunity to have your own room, make your own meals, and drink your own alcohol whenever and wherever they please is alluring to many students moving off campus.

In terms of the convenience of off-campus living, many students are ambivalent. Location tends to determine price, so it largely depends on what you’re willing to pay. Some find it less costly and easier to continue living on campus; others find off campus is just as convenient, especially if it's located near a bus stop or within walking distance, or if someone in the house has a car. A large percentage of Virginia’s students end up living off campus sometime during their college careers, and Charlottesville is a good town for student-friendly housing, as long as you’re willing to look for good deals and commit early. The closer you live to campus, the more expensive it generally is, but the bigger price tag is worth it because you'll find that these areas tend to be the most social and the closest to all of the best eateries.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

A lot of off-campus housing is... A lot of off-campus housing is literally steps away from campus. If you want to live off campus, it makes school a lot cheaper. If you have a car, it definitely doesn’t cause any inconvenience. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

It’s kind of weird getting a lease... It’s kind of weird getting a lease signed because you have to decide really early, and you don’t always know the people that you will live with that well. It’s a process, but it all works out. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I did it for three years. You got... I did it for three years. You got to sign leases in October, which is the only bummer. Besides that, everything is in a five-block radius from campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

There is a ton of off-campus... There is a ton of off-campus housing, and most people move off when they get older. It is really nice. The apartments are really good, but the houses are kind of old. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

It’s very convenient here. You... It’s very convenient here. You won’t have a problem getting a house or apartment at all; although, some of it is expensive. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Did You Know?

Most students decide to move off Grounds after first year. It has become a sort of tradition. Even in the early fall when students first get to UVA, many start looking around for both people they might want to live with and for where they might want to be. Of course, try not to get stressed out by what a lot of people may be doing. Lease signing starts in October, but there are almost always places still left even as late as the August before classes start. Don’t be too hasty with decisions; remember that you are choosing very important things for all of your second year—your home and your roommates.

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