Many colleges require freshmen to spend their first year in the dorms. Beyond that, most universities are happy to allow their students to move to off-campus housing if they prefer. Of course, many students choose to live in the dormitories all the time. Others, however, crave a little more freedom. If that’s you and you’re not paying your own bills, you’ll have to persuade your parents that it’s a good idea. Easier said than done, but there are some compelling arguments for moving into your own place. Here are some of them.

Reduced distractions

If you’re going to convince your parents that you should be able to move to off-campus housing, you’ll have to present arguments to which they will respond. Giving them arguments about more freedom to party and relaxed rules about having the opposite sex sleep over is unlikely to be a good idea. But if you make the point about reducing distractions, you might get somewhere. And it’s true. Your parents may have forgotten, but bedrooms are usually one big, non-stop party. It can be hard to stay glued to your studies when there are constant activities demanding your attention.

less expensive

This is the argument that will seal the deal in many cases. Dorms are expensive. Because they’re wrapped up in the full cost of tuition, it can be easy to miss, but you’ll notice when it’s taken off your bill. While you can find off-campus housing that is even more expensive than dorms, you can easily find an apartment that costs much less. For that reduced price, you’ll get thicker walls, more privacy, and the chance to start living like an adult. These things may not matter much to your parents, but the benefit to their checkbook may be enough of a persuasion.

your credit

It can be difficult to find a financial footing in the world after graduation. Students who are used to having their parents pay for everything find themselves not only suddenly faced with their own bills, but also faced with the prospect of obtaining credit and loans without any credit history to rely on. This can be difficult, to say the least. However, if you get an apartment in your name, you can start building that credit score. This will come in handy when you want to buy a car or a house in the future. If your parents don’t like the idea of ​​co-signing your loans in the future, this could make an argument for off-campus housing that they might appreciate.