What It’s Like To Live On a Converted Bus

Are you a wanderer who would love to live on the road? RVs aren’t your only option. Here’s what it’s like to live on a converted bus for “skoolies” and anyone else for that matter.

What It’s Like To Live On a Converted Bus

If you’re finding that you love life on the road, it’s tempting to invest in an RV. But more nomads are converting used buses and trying out the “skoolie” lifestyle. There’s a growing community for this alternative mode of travel. Here’s what it’s like to live on a converted bus—the good and the bad.

Skoolies live on converted school buses for a variety of reasons. Some are using them as “tiny houses” to reduce their carbon footprints, and others want to live off the grid. Preowned buses cost less than a first home would cost, so younger buyers consider them the first step toward that. And then there are the road-trippers—the wanderers who want to see as much as they can on their own terms.

It’s Independent to live on a converted bus

You don’t have to rely on travel itineraries, flight delays, or nightmare passengers—you are literally in the driver’s seat. The pandemic has necessitated travel restrictions and you might be going stir crazy.

It’s Not Cheap

A preowned bus itself isn’t cost-prohibitive, especially if you do your homework ahead of time and decide on what amenities are necessities and which are optional. No, it’s the conversion that can get pricey, depending on what you want. Even if you’re handy and can do it yourself, you’ll probably spend around $10,000. Many budgets go beyond $40,000. That’s quite an outlay even before you get on the road. And don’t forget, these old buses can be gas-guzzlers.

It’s Creative

Will you ever get to design the ultimate dream house and actually build it? Maybe. But you can be your own architect, interior designer, and artistic visionary when you convert a bus. As you browse online for ideas and inspiration, you’ll be in awe of other skoolies’ ingenuity.

It’s Challenging

Have you ever tried to park a bus at a grocery store? Well, get used to it. Parking can be rough. Not all campgrounds can accommodate buses. Not all routes are suitable for a vehicle that can’t go off-roading. If you don’t have practice with a bus license, there’s going to be a learning curve.

It’s Spacious

You don’t realize how much space there is on a bus until you see some of the “before” and “after” photos online. There’s enough space to split it up into rooms for privacy. You can include every amenity you need. Many people live in apartments the same size. You can build in a full kitchen, bathroom, a large screen TV, and anything else you consider to be essential.

Skoolies who learn what it’s like to live on a converted bus are pretty honest about the ups and downs, so look for some veterans who can answer all your questions. But don’t dismiss the idea altogether. The world is changing, and if you want to see more of it, you’ll have to adapt.