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Is it better to live on campus or off campus after your first year of college?

I have heard that living on campus is better for academic success. Is that true? Where I am going to college there is not that much housing on campus or off campus close to school. Where would it be better to live? #college #colleges #housing #on-campus #off-campus

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Rachael’s Answer

It depends on your university/college and your degree program.


Many schools require first-year students to live on campus, but if the campus does not have the capacity to house all the students then it is really up to you.


Another question is, what is the parking situation on campus? How much is a parking pass? At large universities, parking passes can be several hundred dollars per year for students who live off-campus. You may still have to purchase a parking pass if you live on-campus, but you may receive a discounted rate.


Think through what you want to study and what makes sense for your lifestyle:
For example, if you were studying nursing and in your first year you are required to volunteer or shadow at the hospital for 50 hours each semester and the hospital is not close to campus, then maybe you could find housing that is closer to the hospital.


Another example, if you look at your campus and notice most students spend a majority of their time on campus at the Student Union, Library or at campus events, vs going home to live with family--then you will probably enjoy your first year a lot more if you are close to fellow students.


I would chat with your admissions office or someone in your future degree program to learn more about what factors could play the biggest role in your decision to live on or off campus.


Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help! Andrea
Thank you comment icon It will cost $500 for a parking pass and it is often times very difficult to find parking. There is a bus system that does run through campus and off campus though. Thank you for your help Maeve
Thank you comment icon Maeve, I would also encourage you to talk to older students who live off- and on-campus and ask what went into their decisions. Ashley Savageau, SSAP
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Maeve! I would say it depends. If you live close, I think commuting is fine as well, you save money and sometimes it can help ease the transition by having close family and friends nearby. However if you live far (like one of my friends did) then staying on campus is better; it will be a bit costly but you will save time with travel and traffic which will help in focusing on classes. I lived at home for all my four years because my home was 15-20 minutes away, therefore it was easier for me. As long as you keep balance, and focus on your schoolwork and responsibilities, it will be fine! Sometimes with commuting it may be hard to get involved but nonetheless you still meet some pretty great people and make friends!

Hope this helps!
Best of luck!
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Tamara’s Answer

For the first year, it is always best to stay on campus. You are entering a new territory and learning how to take care of yourself away from your parents. By staying on campus, you are learning responsibility and adjusting to a new normal. Once you have gotten adjusted I would say stay on campus your second year. Simply to make sure you have secured the responsibility of seeing after yourself. Remember going to college is all about obtaining discipline for one's self. Make sure you have studying down, make sure your grades are up to par, learn how to navigate. After you feel you have accomplished those things, then consider moving off campus.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Maeve:

This is a good question with no right or wrong answer. Honestly, it depends on your circumstances. However, some colleges require freshmen students to live on campus their first year of college. Living on campus you experience college life, make new friends and have independence. You could always stay on-campus the first year and try it out. At least your Mom is close by and you can always elect to stay at home after your first year.

I hope this was helpful. Best of luck to you!

~ Sheila
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