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Is it possible to live at home while in college? Either online classes or daily commuting?
I'm in high school hoping to go into either a health or law profession after college. I am currently undecided about which university I want to go to and what my major will be. #college
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Marina’s Answer
Yes, it is possible to live at home while in college. I and several friends successfully did it. I commuted three days a week to my downtown state university from a neighboring suburb. Living at home allowed me to keep my part time while going to school.
It’s okay to not know what you want to major in. I changed mine four times over the course of the first two years of college. To help decide which college to attend, think about what’s important to you. Do you want the “classic” movie college experience? Maybe select a larger university outside of your hometown. Are costs and finances a big factor? Consider a local state or community college. For me, finances and *actually graduating* college were important, so I choose to stay local and forgo the party college experience.
Since you mentioned wanting to go into health or law after college, it seems like those professions place high value on a prestigious college degree so if you have the grades and work ethic, consider an Ivy League school or one similar, i.e. Stanford.
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It’s okay to not know what you want to major in. I changed mine four times over the course of the first two years of college. To help decide which college to attend, think about what’s important to you. Do you want the “classic” movie college experience? Maybe select a larger university outside of your hometown. Are costs and finances a big factor? Consider a local state or community college. For me, finances and *actually graduating* college were important, so I choose to stay local and forgo the party college experience.
Since you mentioned wanting to go into health or law after college, it seems like those professions place high value on a prestigious college degree so if you have the grades and work ethic, consider an Ivy League school or one similar, i.e. Stanford.
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Richard’s Answer
In terms of academic and saving money, you certainly can. However, some people prefer not to do so for social reasons, which may be valid depending on your family.
If they are very strict, you may miss out on many events at college, which occur at night. However, you will still be able to have many wonderful experiences if you seek them out. Make friends and invite them to do fun things. Living on campus makes this process much easier, but if you take the initiative, you will still be able to get the same results. Keep an open mind and keep exploring the different opportunities.
It is smart to save money by living at home. Your life will be more difficult if you have debt after graduation.
If they are very strict, you may miss out on many events at college, which occur at night. However, you will still be able to have many wonderful experiences if you seek them out. Make friends and invite them to do fun things. Living on campus makes this process much easier, but if you take the initiative, you will still be able to get the same results. Keep an open mind and keep exploring the different opportunities.
It is smart to save money by living at home. Your life will be more difficult if you have debt after graduation.
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Kimberly’s Answer
You can absolutely attend college from home. It's a great way to save money. The downside is you miss out a bit on the college experience and life skills of being on your own. As to being on unsure on your major and what college to attend, you mind take a career profile test (Naviance is a good one) and there are lots of virtual college tours. Good luck!
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Riley’s Answer
I'm not sure if this is the same for all colleges, but my school required all students to live on campus during their first year. This was to help students make friends and become more comfortable with the college campus. However, after our first year, we could live wherever we wanted and I know a lot of people who decided to live at home and commute. These students often complained about their drive to campus, but I assume the amount of money they saved on housing made it worth it! As for online classes, I think only about 1/4 of the classes I took in college were even offered online. This is always a great option when applicable, but most classes are required to meet on campus.
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Estelle’s Answer
Yes! especially with the COVID pandemic changing the face of education.