The Daily Reality Of Students Living Off Campus

Before sunrise, many university students living off campus begin their day with more than just thoughts of lectures.

Some wake up calculating transportation costs, while others wonder how they will trek to school. For many, each day starts with responsibilities that extend far beyond academics.

Although living off campus offers students greater privacy, independence, and comfort, it also comes with significant challenges. Many struggle with transportation, feeding, household chores, rent, electricity bills, security concerns, and the difficult task of balancing these responsibilities with their studies.

For Emmanuel Ogheneroro, a 200-level Sociology student at Delta State University, living off campus provides personal space, freedom, and comfort. However, when lectures, assignments, and household chores compete for his attention, careful planning becomes essential.

“I love my personal space a lot,” Emmanuel said. “Planning my time well helps me manage both my academic work and my responsibilities at home.”

Ebaluana Martha, a student at University of Benin, explained that hostel life was not suitable for studying or resting. She described overcrowded rooms, constant noise, limited privacy, and poor hygiene, all of which affected her concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.

“The hostel was too crowded and not conducive for me to focus or have proper rest,” she said.

As a result, Martha now prefers living off campus, where she enjoys greater privacy and independence despite the added financial responsibilities.

For Okolie Chukwudi, a 200-level Mass Communication student at Delta State University, transportation remains one of the biggest challenges of living off campus. He spends between ?400 and ?800 on transport each day and sometimes has to trek to school when he cannot afford the fare.

On June 3, 2026, Chukwudi arrived late for a morning lecture after finding no available tricycles on his route and deciding to walk the rest of the way.

“Trekking can be stressful and physically demanding. However, my punctuality for lectures depends on how early I leave home and start walking to school,” he said.

Despite the transportation difficulties, Chukwudi believes living off campus offers benefits such as greater independence, a quieter environment, and more flexibility in managing his daily activities.

The experiences of these students show that off-campus living affects individuals in different ways. For Emmanuel, it means freedom coupled with responsibility. For Martha, it provides an escape from the discomforts of hostel life. For Chukwudi, it offers independence but comes with transportation and financial challenges.

Ultimately, living off campus is about more than choosing where to stay. It is about learning to survive, adapt, and balance independence with responsibility while pursuing an education.

By Favour Efenure

×