Four Things for Parents to Consider When Their Child Decides to Move Off-Campus

Dorm life at the University of British Columbia is fun, but it is not for everyone. At some point, your child may opt for a more independent and private living situation by moving off campus.

This decision can be a wonderful step towards personal responsibility, but it can also backfire unless precautions are taken. You and your child should both be aware that not every living arrangement is conducive to a healthy atmosphere of study and personal growth. To ensure that your child gets the most out of moving off-campus in a UBC home, take these factors into consideration.

 

Utility Costs

Most dorms require students to pay a lump sum for their utility costs. This price is predictable and does not change based on usage. Moving-off campus means the student must now keep a watchful eye on their utility consumption. Wasteful practices must be curbed, and a general awareness must be cultivated.

To assist in cutting costs, a house that is energy efficient should be selected. Buying from a homeowner who has sealed out drafts and installed efficient fixtures should be your first option. These steps will make the biggest difference in utility costs. Try to find a home that has modern efficiency standards or that can be converted inexpensively.

 

Commuting to Campus and Parking

After moving off campus, your student may suddenly have to contend with bus schedules, driving or finding a place to park. UBC has a reliable bus system that can help students commute to class without the need of a personal vehicle. 

Make sure that your student moves to a UBC home that has a convenient spot on the bus route. Even better, they can find a house that is still within reasonable walking distance from campus. Otherwise, they should take measures to secure a parking pass on campus.

 

Upkeep

Dorm rooms are generally small and require little maintenance. The messy parts of a house — the kitchen, entrances and bathrooms — are typically the jurisdiction of the campus housing department. Moving off-campus into a house means that your student will not only have to begin keeping clean, but they will also have to keep up with minor repairs so that they do not cause larger problems. The best way to handle the responsibility would be to purchase a “home care kit” with a minimal amount of necessary tools and some high-quality cleaning supplies.

 

Landlords

Having a landlord can be one of the most frustrating aspects of renting while being a student. They can be slow to respond to concerns or sometimes give no response at all. The only way to ensure that a home will be properly maintained and cared for is to be its owner. 

Consider purchasing a UBC home for sale to give your student a safe, reliable place to live during their college years. When they move out, you can sell the house for a profit or rent it to obtain a steady stream of revenue. Take a look at our buyer’s page to learn more.