University bound: Residence or off-campus?

If you have kids attending university, one of the key decisions is whether they should live on or off campus. Here are some pros and cons.

On-campus pros:

• All-inclusive; students don’t have to worry about paying for utilities every month
• Closer to classes and other amenities, nixing commuting costs
• Mandatory meal plans mean no extensive grocery shopping and can save time
• At most universities, items purchased through the meal plan are tax-exempt
• Rollover meal plans that remain valid even if the student moves off-campus can be used later
• Furnished with the basics, like a bed and desk

On-campus cons:

• Residence plans are usually quite rigid; students don’t have the flexibility to be frugal on campus
• Meal plan cost may exceed what a student would normally spend on food
• Mandatory meal plans are not always transferable or refundable; money left over at the end of the school year is lost
• Living spaces are often cramped