When Apartment Hunting...

So after weighing the pros and cons of living on or off campus, you have chosen to live...OFF campus, right? Join the club!
Living off campus, on your own requires tremendous responsibility. From the monthly rent, to the utility bills, to the...unexpected; you are going to need to be very prepared for all this. However, before all this comes to fruition, we have to first find the best place to accommodate us. As students, we have to find the most reasonable space. Reasonable, in terms of monthly cost, comfort, amenities and proximity to school.
Lucky for us, most times wherever a school is located, there are usually apartments in and around that area that cater to students, and offer all the things we need on the cheap. Students, CHEAP is good!

When looking around for an apartment, make sure the apartment:
1. Has a low monthly rent that you CAN AFFORD.
2. Has utilities included (this might increase the rent just a little, but the peace of mind is well worth paying for).
3. Has the amenities you need (if that washer/dryer in the unit significantly increases the rent, opt for an apartment with the washer/dryer in the building itself- or none at all, the laundromat works fine too.)
4.  Is clean and everything is in good working order (AC works, no broken tiles, windows or bad plumbing, etc).
5.Has high speed Internet connection (God knows we need that!)
6. Has security (again, peace of mind...)
7. Is not in an area where there is a lot of noise (We will need to study, and unless you can concentrate in noise, this can turn out very devastating - you know what I mean). 
8. Is in close proximity to school or is close to a bus or train station that stops at your school (if you have a car, you will still need to be close enough so that traveling is not a hassle).
9. Is in a safe neighborhood.
10. Is somewhere you will feel comfortable living (even though we are functioning on the cheap, we still have to find some place that is homey and comfortable).

If you happen to find a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment that is really inexpensive, you may even take in roommates!  Having roommates significantly cuts the cost of rent for...everyone! The good thing is, most times, a 2 bedroom might work out much more reasonable than a 1 bedroom or a studio. So if you have no problems sharing your space, this is a great option.

Folks, we're students - be frugal. We can't spend what we don't have. We can save that for later on - you know what I mean ;)

The Pros and Cons of living On or Off Campus

School probably begins in a couple months for you and you're still trying to decide whether to live on or off campus. Whichever way you choose, make sure it fits your lifestyle. Ensure that it is affordable and within your means and budget.

On Campus; the Pros and Cons.
Pros: Living on campus allows for fellowship of school and classmates. It's where a lot of socializing occurs and it's a place where you meet life long friends.  It allows for close proximity to school, which is a big plus! as you don't have to worry about commuting or getting a car. The residence halls are usually also very well secure; you usually do not have to worry about your safety.You sometimes do not have to worry about cleaning and cooking.
Cons: For the adult individual, living in the residence halls can prove to be a bit restrictive. Often times there are curfews. Spaces are small and privacy is very limited. In dental school, you will be studying most of the time and quiet is essential - residence halls get very noisy at times. Living on campus can also be an expensive option.

Off Campus; the Pros and Cons

Pros: Living off campus allows for freedom, versatility, privacy and space. Sometimes, living off campus can be less expensive than living on campus (just a little hunting will do the trick). Private apartments are usually quieter, and have fewer distractions and so provides an atmosphere more conducive to studying than on campus. You do not have to share amenities (bathroom, kitchen, etc). In the end, having a rental history is good for future apartment renting or buying.
Cons: If you do not do your research right, living off campus may be expensive. Usually you have to pay 1 month's security deposit and 1 month's rent upfront. You may need to pay utilities and furnish the apartment (the trick is to try to get all in one so that the rent covers everything). You have to find time for grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and basic maintenance of the apartment. Living off campus means you have to commute to school. This often means that you have to get a car; with a car comes monthly insurance bills, gas, etc.

All in all, living on or off campus comes with it's advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one or the other is completely dependent on you; your personality, your personal preference and your budget.