Commute or dorm?

I commuted to save more money. My recommendation would be this: if you can afford to live on campus, DO IT! It gave so many of my friends an extra boost into communal living and a greater sense of independence. I continued to live at home, which again was a great cost saver, but I felt that I shortchanged some of my college experience and did not grow as much.

The expense of room and board have to be considered, but I'd agree with most of the folks and recommend moving on campus at least your first year. So much of the college experience is outside of the classroom - it's experiencing and getting exposed to new ideas, people and new situations. It will prepare you as much if not more for work and for many students is part of your social development and development of deep and lasting friendships. I would confess that my closest friends today started as friendships in the dorm our first year of school.

I commuted to a local college each semester. My college of choice had but a few dorms on campus at the time - it has since expanded significantly and on-campus housing is much more diverse and perhaps inviting. I chose the stay-at-home route. It offered me the comforts of home - my own choice of meals - thanks MOM - and my own comfort level. College was a frightening and challenging experience knowing that this was where my career path would be decided - at least that's how it all felt back in the '70's. Commuting also made it possible to get a part time job at a local hospital where wages were twice the minimum wage - and career professionals were eager to discuss my future plans - be they nurses, doctors, public relations - even the police when they would bring in a patient. On campus activities were always available if I chose to participate - and teachers were almost always available for conference/discussion. I thought I had the best of both worlds - home - and the best education available. And I had a car - so I had my freedom to explore whatever came my way. You'll find what best works for you - what's most important in your daily life with these types of choices - ask yourself - and believe me...the answers will come easily. Good Luck with all great success ahead.

I attended college in a different state and stayed in a dorm my first year. I highly recommend staying on-campus your first year. Some of my closest, college friends are the people I met staying in a dorm. You are able to bond socially because you basically live with each other for a year. It was a great source of moral support because there were times we all became home sick. Also, it enabled me to be really active on campus because I did not have to worry about commuting back and forth to campus to participate in meetings and activities. My second year I lived with a relative because I had a car but I still really missed the connection and convenience of living on-campus. For my junior and senior year, I moved within walking distance of campus even though I had a car because of the convenience.

The only con to living on campus is the expense, however there's additional costs you may incur living off campus (utilities, gas, etc) that may balance things out.

If cost is a concern, I high recommend staying on-campus at least your first year so you can be fully immersed into college life.

I commuted every semester, living at home for all but my final semester at school. I also went to the university in the city I grew up in. For me, it was cost. I financed my entire college education on scholarships and student loans, so adding dormitory cost or out of state tuition was not something I wanted to do. I also had a near full time job so it would have been more of a distraction than a chance for me to catch a break or study. The biggest downside is how far your commute is and making it on time to class. Parking around most college campuses is abysmal so unless you want to pay big money for a close parking lot, you're going to have to do some walking. Good luck!

I think that living on campus is really important if you can afford it. College is not only about studying but also about making new friends and connections for life which will help you in your future career. It also allows you to become a more social and confident person and live with people from different backgrounds which will broaden your life perspective. Living on campus is also a lot of fun and a very special experience. However, if you cannot afford it, living at home is also a good alternative since getting a college degree is the most important thing. Good luck.