It is true that there are contradictory views on the merits and downsides of utilizing off-campus housing compared to university hostels in society. Although this context has a wide array of plus points, we should not forget its drawbacks.
There are many key benefits to residing in college apartments. To begin with, one of which is that it provides greater autonomy and privacy for undergraduates. This is because these students have to adhere to fewer rules that are more flexible in practice compared to those imposed by institution administrative officers on their premises. Therefore, college students experience more freedom, as they are often inclined to feel that they are living in their own homes. Moreover, these premises are marketed to only one or a few learners who agree to share this living space with one another, which ensures their privacy and autonomy. In addition, these units facilitate residents to focus fully on their studies since these entities are adequately equipped with many facilities. Consequently, it helps them maintain their mental health at a considerably higher level while keeping their attention in check towards the learning objectives. For example, Sri Lankan higher education institutions often provide limited and minimum facilities, especially sanitary procedures, which may be a serious obstacle to their education.
On the other hand, there are also notable downsides to staying in private properties. One of the main disadvantages is that these entities are expensive; therefore, affordability for average undergraduates who come from acquisition-poor families is considerably low. For instance, in Sri Lanka, several higher education scholarship programmes have been implemented targeting ones who need more financial aid for their education. However, the ground reality is that the majority of them are eligible for theses assistances. Furthermore, due to subcultural composition in universities, students are prone to acquiring relevant subject knowledge through collective discussion with their batchmates and senior brothers and sisters apart from the lecture room learning. Yet, this kind of lifestyle does not enable individuals with such great opportunities, which limit the enhancements of innate, intuitive and acquired abilities in moulding their characters.
In conclusion, while the trend of residing in private housing units provides undergraduates with more independence and facilities, it also poses significant demerits of non-affordability and lack of collective learning opportunities that must be carefully managed.