Living at Home vs. Living on Campus

Living on Campus vs. Living at Home

It’s the question that every high school graduate or college student must answer: should you live on campus or at home? Both choices have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial for you to weigh your choices before you make a final decision. The most important issues students might look for are their independence/social life, transportation and cost. I had to make this same decision not too long ago and with these issues to think about I chose to live at home. Depending on who you are your decision might be different. When living on campus, you don’t have to worry about being late to class when you live 5 minutes away. You can go to Algebra class in your favorite Batman pajamas and not be judged. But living at home is another story. Commuting back and forth from school and home wastes a lot of gas, especially now, when gas is $3.10 a gallon.
For example, I live at home and I go to college 30 minutes away, so I spend at least $200 a month on gas. That’s $200 I can spend going shopping! Living on campus is the best choice for this one because you’re basically right in the center of everything and it will save you more money. Another key factor to look at is your independence and social life. Living at home restricts you from being involved in school activities, or just simply hanging out with friends and meeting new people on campus. At home, you have zero privacy and rules to follow; taking out the trash, doing household chores and cleaning dishes. Whereas, on campus your with your friends, aware and involved in activities, meeting new people and being responsible.
Alisha Powell, a freshman, living on University of Cincinnati’s campus says, “I have met countless new friends on campus and on my dorm floor. My roommates are amazing and we hang out all the time. I’ve joined many social groups so I recommend this experience to any and every one.” If you have an outgoing personality, then living on campus is just for you. The one most important issue to look at is, of course, the cost. The world revolves around money so why not chose the best option that lets you save money, right? Obviously living at home is cheaper because you don’t have to pay for housing, food, and your laundry is being done by your parents. The only expense you have to worry about is gas. For me, that’s $2,400 a year vs. maybe $5,000 a year for housing and tuition on campus. And that is not including the meal plan you have to purchase. Living at home would be the smarter decision to save money. This is what me and my parents considered when I graduated from high school and that’s why I commute to school 3 times a week. When deciding whether to live on campus, think about what will benefit for you or what’s important to you. Is it the cost, transportation or independence? College students have to go through the process of deciding either to stay on campus or live at home but they have to know what works best for them. I personally think everyone should have that college experience on campus and have the opportunity to be responsible but for some college students, they are not financially stable for that so they choose to live at home. The choice is yours.