As the cost of higher education continues to rise, housing remains one of the most significant non-tuition expenses students must navigate. Although these costs are not directly related to the type of costs financial aid professionals control, we still play a critical role in helping students and families make informed, affordable, and sustainable decisions about where to live during their college years. Whether students are living at home, on campus, or transitioning to off-campus housing, thoughtful guidance can help mitigate financial stress and promote long-term stability, all while helping students make good decisions that build trust and engagement in the advising we are able to provide.
To assist with this topic, here are several key considerations and strategies to share with students and their families to help them make their housing decisions more affordable and sustainable.
- Understand Campus Housing Requirements and Options
Many institutions require first- and second-year students to live on campus, while others offer more flexibility. Encourage students to confirm their school’s housing policies early and explore exceptions or alternative pathways. For example, if a college mandates on-campus housing for the first two years, students might consider studying abroad during their second year—particularly in locations with a lower cost of living—which could result in significant savings while also enriching their college experience. Once they return, they can then consider living off-campus with roommates to mitigate the cost of housing.
- Commuting from Home: The Most Affordable Option
Living at home remains the most cost-effective housing choice. However, it is also clear that students who commute from home may face challenges in building a strong sense of connection and community tied to their campus life experience. For students who are considering living at home for the first couple of years, encourage them to engage with your institution’s student life, commuter, or off-campus student services office. These departments often offer commuter-specific programming, lounges, lockers, mentorship, and resources to help commuters develop community and maintain a strong sense of belonging within their college campus.
Additionally, for students who are particularly distraught over having to continue living at home, be sure to reinforce the fact that this does not need to be a permanent decision. By commuting a single year or two years, students can secure enough savings to potentially make it more accessible and affordable to live on-campus or off-campus during the last two years of their educational career. Moreover, it is also worth inviting parents and students to discuss potential arrangements, such as trading off a semester of living at home with applying some savings to allow the student to experience a study abroad option, or even to trade some of those savings with support or assistance in buying a used-car to help the student travel to and from campus. Oftentimes, these type of conversations and negotiations can make this option that much more palatable for students, while affirming that financial aid professionals are available to encourage open conversations about finances in a way that focuses on providing multiple options rather than a prescriptive path.
- On-Campus Living: Roommate Considerations and Personal Needs
For those living on campus, room type can significantly affect cost. Shared spaces—such as doubles, triples, or quads—are typically more affordable than single-occupancy rooms. While adjusting to roommates may be uncomfortable at first, it often provides valuable opportunities for growth, interpersonal development, and support for students, while also providing significant cost-savings.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that shared housing is not suitable for everyone. Students with medical, psychological, trauma-influenced, or accessibility needs may require special accommodations. As such, always approach these conversations with sensitivity, and encourage students to work with the appropriate campus offices to advocate for their unique needs.
- Off-Campus Living: Budgeting, Planning, and the Hidden Costs
For upperclassmen eligible to move off campus, apartment living may offer greater independence and, in some cases, lower costs—but not without important caveats. Students should consider:
- Rent-sharing: Living with roommates can dramatically reduce monthly expenses.
- Shared expenses: Consolidating services like internet or streaming services, coordinating shared grocery purchases, and pooling transportation costs can all help.
- Proximity to campus: A cheaper apartment far from campus may incur higher transportation costs (e.g., gas, car maintenance, public transit fees) negating some of the initial savings. Students should be encouraged to calculate these based on their current expenses to ensure they are still coming out ahead with the housing decisions being made.
- Utility and amenity costs: Not all apartments include internet, heat, water, electricity, or access to gyms or laundry. Understanding what’s included in rent is essential as the added costs of utilities and amenities can oftentimes make a seemingly affordable option become less-than-so.
- Timing and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Unlike on-campus housing charges, which are typically billed through the student’s account and covered by financial aid, off-campus leases often require students to pay their first month’s rent and a security deposit before aid disburses—meaning students have to wait 3–4 weeks after the start of classes to access their money. As such, financial aid administrators should inform students of this gap and encourage them to plan ahead. Some property managers may allow flexibility with payment dates, but students should not rely on this without a written agreement.
Promoting year-round financial planning—such as saving part of a summer job or monthly budgeting—can help students avoid last-minute financial strain caused by these surprise costs.
- Meal Planning for Off-Campus Students
Living off-campus often impacts meal plan eligibility. Students should confirm whether their institution offers commuter meal plans or reduced-cost dining options. If their housing includes a kitchen, shopping strategically and cooking at home may reduce food costs. Pre-made meals from grocery stores, budgeting apps, and meal-prep routines can also increase efficiency and minimize waste.
Encourage students to explore food assistance programs, including:
- Campus food pantries
- Local food banks
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility
- Community meal or grocery initiatives
7. Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
For students who are currently experiencing homelessness—or who are at risk of becoming unhoused—housing challenges are often compounded by financial hardship and emotional stress. These students should be encouraged to connect with the financial aid office as soon as possible to discuss their available options.
Financial aid professionals can assist students by helping them submit a dependency override appeal, allowing them to be considered independent for financial aid purposes. This determination can open up access to additional federal aid without requiring parental information. These appeals are especially important for students without stable housing, those fleeing abuse, or those estranged from their families.
Additionally, aid offices should collaborate with campus support services, including basic needs programs, counseling and wellness centers, and student affairs, to ensure that students experiencing homelessness are connected to all of the available wraparound supports. Early intervention and compassionate guidance can make a critical difference in a student’s persistence and overall well-being, especially around the topic of housing and housing security.
Final Thoughts: Guiding Students Toward Informed Decisions
Counseling about housing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Financial aid professionals must therefore offer general guidance that students can personalize based on their unique needs, values, and budget. The goal here is to equip students with practical insights and campus resources that allow them to make informed, proactive decisions, while balancing affordability, access, and their overall well-being.
By proactively engaging in these conversations, financial aid professionals can help students better manage the hidden costs of housing, reduce the risk of housing insecurity, and ensure a more stable and enriching college experience. For further support and guidance on counseling best-practices or for assistance with student advising and staffing solutions, reach out to info@heag.us so that we can connect you with our available support services.
