Between Limited Space and Unlimited Freedom: The Reality of Off-Campus Living

Agnes Oyedokun

For many students, the dream of university life comes with images of independence, academic growth, and a chance to forge lifelong friendships. However, this dream is not always achievable for everyone due to the limited space in on-campus hostels or the desire for unrestricted freedom. These factors push many students to seek accommodation off-campus, a reality that comes with unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

Some students are unable to access the school hostels simply because demand outweighs supply. Hostel spaces are limited, and universities often prioritise freshers and finalists, leaving others to fend for themselves. Others, however, choose off-campus living for the sense of independence it offers which is a chance to live without the rules and regulations that come with on-campus housing. While this freedom is appealing to many, it can also come with unexpected difficulties.

Femi, a student in the Faculty of Science shared a single room in Agbowo with a coursemate for three months. “That one room was everything,” he said. “It was our bedroom, kitchen, and study area. We did virtually everything in that tiny space.” The lack of separation between living and studying took a toll, not just physically but emotionally. “Keeping the space clean and healthy was almost impossible,” he admitted. “At some point, I fell sick. It was cholera or dysentery, something from all the stress and poor hygiene.”

Femi faced a range of challenges while living off-campus. Balancing studies, chores, and personal life was a constant juggling act. Sharing such a confined space also led to conflicts. “My lifestyle was different from my roommate’s,” he said. “We had to resolve our disagreements and find ways to work together.” Managing food was another hurdle. “I cooked once, and my roommate decided I shouldn’t cook again, he handled the cooking, and I washed the dishes. It was our compromise.”

Transportation was a daily struggle. “You had to leave the house at least an hour before class or exams,” Femi explained. “We walked most of the time because transportation costs were so high.” Noise was another persistent issue. “The house was near the road, and there was always something: neighbours arguing, children playing, or vehicles honking. Staying focused on my studies was incredibly difficult.” These distractions took a toll on his academics. “I couldn’t even manage a single A that semester,” he said. “It was just too much.”

Micheal, from the Faculty of Arts, humorously lamented how off-campus living cramped his personal life. “I couldn’t invite my babes over,” he quipped. “No privacy at all! It limited my womanising tendencies.” His words, though lighthearted, highlight how sharing a living space can profoundly affect one’s lifestyle.

Asegunimi, another Arts student, shared his frustrations with the lack of privacy and the noise. “You are constantly surrounded by people, and that noise, that lack of space, it gets to you,” he said. “Sometimes, I had to wait until everything quieted down late at night just to work on assignments or read. And then, there were times when roommates would take my belongings without asking. It’s frustrating. It’s not just about the money; it’s about trust and respect.”

Living off-campus isn’t just emotionally taxing, it’s expensive. Many students, constrained by tight budgets, often settle for accommodations that fall short of basic standards. For Femi, utility issues were a daily headache. “Sometimes there wasn’t even water in the house,” he said. “We had to fetch water from the neighbourhood, and it was exhausting.” On top of that, there were electricity bills, internet costs, and the ever-rising price of transportation to and from campus.

Students also navigate safety concerns. Being unfamiliar with the environment means they are often more cautious, especially at night. Some choose to avoid late-night activities altogether, sacrificing both social and academic opportunities. Asegunimi mentioned how adjusting to such a setting changed his habits. “I had to suspend my activities and prioritise safety above all else,” he shared, highlighting how difficult it is to find balance when off-campus life demands constant vigilance.

Despite the hardships, many students find that these experiences shape them in profound ways. Femi reflected on how the challenges helped him grow. “I’ve learned so much,” he said. “Time management, conflict resolution, budgeting, these are skills I’ll carry with me for life. It’s not easy, but it does make you stronger.”

For some, these experiences also foster a sense of community and resourcefulness. Micheal noted that living outside the school hostel taught him how to rely on others and navigate compromises. “At the end of the day, we all had to figure things out together,” he explained. “You can’t survive off-campus if you’re not willing to work with people.”

The challenges faced by students living off-campus highlight a broader issue: the lack of adequate on-campus accommodation. With limited hostel spaces prioritising freshers and finalists, many students are left to fend for themselves in environments that are far from ideal. Expanding on-campus housing, providing support for off-campus students, and creating platforms for conflict resolution can go a long way in alleviating these struggles.

But beyond institutional changes, there’s a need for empathy and understanding. Living off-campus is not just about finding a place to sleep; it’s about creating a home amidst chaos. For students like Femi, Micheal, and Asegunimi, these experiences are a testament to their resilience. They are not just surviving, they are learning, growing, and preparing for the world beyond university.