7 answers
Katherine
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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Is it better to stay home for college or move in?
I am a Junior in high school and just curious on if moving into college is worth it. #college #moving
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7 answers
Kiirsten Suomu
Sales Representative at Universal Orlando Resort
96
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kiirsten’s Answer
Good Evening, Katherine!
There have been a lot of great responses already-- something I'd like to mention as well is just to make sure you're mentally okay with whatever decision you make. College is a great experience, but it can also be hard work-- I have had different friends with different experiences where they live at home and commute, they live at home and do school online, they live on campus, or they live in an apartment off of campus-- what would make you feel most comfortable? To echo the other responses, there is a lot to consider-- just make sure you take care of yourself.
Have fun!
There have been a lot of great responses already-- something I'd like to mention as well is just to make sure you're mentally okay with whatever decision you make. College is a great experience, but it can also be hard work-- I have had different friends with different experiences where they live at home and commute, they live at home and do school online, they live on campus, or they live in an apartment off of campus-- what would make you feel most comfortable? To echo the other responses, there is a lot to consider-- just make sure you take care of yourself.
Have fun!
Jeff Rabine
Splunk Consultant
1
Answer
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I stayed at home and also worked a part time job throughout school. This allowed me to rack up less student debt. I know many people that ended up with student debt near and over $100,000. A good portion of that debt was for student housing. That being said depending on what you want to go to school for you may have to attend a school away from home. I suggest you research what student housing will cost for 4-5 years and add that to the cost of tuition. Then plug that number into a student calculator to help you get a better understanding of how long it will take you to pay that loan back after graduation. Also don’t forget about other living expenses such as a car, food and money to do some fun things as well!
Also remember that interest will start accruing as soon as you get the student loan(s) so the amount you have to pay back after graduation is higher than what you borrowed.
Calculator to give you an idea of interest costs and monthly payments:
https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/college-planning/loan-calculator.aspx
Also remember that interest will start accruing as soon as you get the student loan(s) so the amount you have to pay back after graduation is higher than what you borrowed.
Calculator to give you an idea of interest costs and monthly payments:
https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/college-planning/loan-calculator.aspx
Marvin Martinez
Splunk Certified Consultant
5
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Marvin’s Answer
There are many different reasons and variables to consider when deciding whether to commute to college or live on campus in dorms, etc.
Some obvious (and maybe not so obvious) things to consider on either side:
- Expense/Cost: Moving on campus will require more expenses than living at home would (if living with parents, for example). Because of the added cost, it may be necessary (instead of maybe optional, if commuting) to get a part-time job while attending college. That is usually a good idea either way, but something to note. Avoiding potential financial issues during your college life should be prioritized as much as possible because that is added stress that someone trying to focus on their education does not need.
- Lifestyle/Life Experience: There is much to be said about living on campus and being able to be more closely involved with the on-campus lifestyle. Depending on the distance of your commute to attend college (in my particular case, it was a 30+ min drive), it may not be much of an issue but something to consider if you really want to partake in that environment.
- Added responsibility: Many college students are still young and adjusting to the responsibilities required of a college student. Living at home can help keep that "grounding" for someone. Living on campus can make it easier to want to be a little more irresponsible because of the easy access to extracurricular activities like parties and such. Just something to consider. Someone focused on their studies will not be affected by this at all.
- Convenience: This is another one that depends on what your commute would look like. Many college classes require working in groups with other students and professors sometimes have odd or sporadic office hours that may make it difficult to schedule around if you have a long commute to campus.
- Family: This is obviously a diverse topic to consider but, to many, family is a big consideration. College life is fast paced with huge responsibilities and stresses. Living on your own can be lonely and, while it can be a good learning experience, it is something to consider if someone is very close to family and needs that support to stay focused, motivated, and emotionally healthy.
If the school you are considering attending is in another state, for example, there's also a consideration of what the school offers in comparison to your local college. Scholarships, etc. also matter quite a bit. Given the rising costs of tuition and out-of-state rates for colleges if not a resident of that state, it is reasonable to give more weight to a school that offers you a scholarship, whether it is local or elsewhere.
While the decision whether to move in or not is ultimately up to each individual student, I hope these at least shed some light on some of the things you want to consider when making your choice.
Research tuition rates for schools in your area and out-of-state schools you are interested (if applicable)
Research cost of living for comparison for locations where you are considering moving to
Work on building an expenses worksheet for what you would be spending both locally and if moving into campus
Some obvious (and maybe not so obvious) things to consider on either side:
- Expense/Cost: Moving on campus will require more expenses than living at home would (if living with parents, for example). Because of the added cost, it may be necessary (instead of maybe optional, if commuting) to get a part-time job while attending college. That is usually a good idea either way, but something to note. Avoiding potential financial issues during your college life should be prioritized as much as possible because that is added stress that someone trying to focus on their education does not need.
- Lifestyle/Life Experience: There is much to be said about living on campus and being able to be more closely involved with the on-campus lifestyle. Depending on the distance of your commute to attend college (in my particular case, it was a 30+ min drive), it may not be much of an issue but something to consider if you really want to partake in that environment.
- Added responsibility: Many college students are still young and adjusting to the responsibilities required of a college student. Living at home can help keep that "grounding" for someone. Living on campus can make it easier to want to be a little more irresponsible because of the easy access to extracurricular activities like parties and such. Just something to consider. Someone focused on their studies will not be affected by this at all.
- Convenience: This is another one that depends on what your commute would look like. Many college classes require working in groups with other students and professors sometimes have odd or sporadic office hours that may make it difficult to schedule around if you have a long commute to campus.
- Family: This is obviously a diverse topic to consider but, to many, family is a big consideration. College life is fast paced with huge responsibilities and stresses. Living on your own can be lonely and, while it can be a good learning experience, it is something to consider if someone is very close to family and needs that support to stay focused, motivated, and emotionally healthy.
If the school you are considering attending is in another state, for example, there's also a consideration of what the school offers in comparison to your local college. Scholarships, etc. also matter quite a bit. Given the rising costs of tuition and out-of-state rates for colleges if not a resident of that state, it is reasonable to give more weight to a school that offers you a scholarship, whether it is local or elsewhere.
While the decision whether to move in or not is ultimately up to each individual student, I hope these at least shed some light on some of the things you want to consider when making your choice.
Marvin recommends the following next steps:
Jeremy Nguyen
8
Answers
Pleasanton, California
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
I believe it has to do a lot with preference and situation. I will answer the question if everything was normal before Covid-19 times and how it changes now that we are to quarantine.
Covid-19
Since a majority of college classes are now online it would be financially smart to simply stay home and save the money for later when classes become in person. However if you are financially stable it can be an option to go back to your university and live either on campus or off campus. Unless you work better away from home and/or financially stable I would simple stay home and continue your college career.
In-person
It really depends on where you live and what college you will attend. If your hometown is a far distance away from your actual college/university you will not be able to stay home because you have to attend in person lectures, discussions, and labs. However if you live near your university (less than 40 mins) you will have the option to commute to your school.
Covid-19
Since a majority of college classes are now online it would be financially smart to simply stay home and save the money for later when classes become in person. However if you are financially stable it can be an option to go back to your university and live either on campus or off campus. Unless you work better away from home and/or financially stable I would simple stay home and continue your college career.
In-person
It really depends on where you live and what college you will attend. If your hometown is a far distance away from your actual college/university you will not be able to stay home because you have to attend in person lectures, discussions, and labs. However if you live near your university (less than 40 mins) you will have the option to commute to your school.
Scott Yoo
Contracts
2
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Scott’s Answer
I have lived in a dorm, off campus apartment, and commuted from home. I really do not see a difference in the college experience because you can make your experience how you want it. I tend to think college as a financial decision. It is an investment in your future and it is not cheap. So I would suggest considering the financial aspect of your decisions.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Aside from personal reasons for wanting to move out, for a greater sense of independence, for example, the main benefit of living on campus is related to socializing. Living on campus means you can do late night or early morning events and can put more on your calendar since you don't have to commute. If you are part of an extracurricular group or club, you can gain a lot of these same benefits without having to pay the cost of a college dorm.
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Katherine ! I think it can vary, for example I stayed home especially since my college was near my house but my best friend had to dorm because she lived 2 hours away. I think staying home does have benefits for example saving money, being comfortable in your own room, and also not having to share with anyone. However it's nice to dorm too, my best friend definitely had some great experience dorming and met her friend that way and she is still in close touch with her! I would recommend to make a pros and cons list and analyze certain things like the cost of dorming vs commuting, if you like the dorms and having a roommate or if you would feel better at home. If you can get a tour as well and check out the campus and the dorms that would definitely be helpful too!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!