Lauren
In college, how important is living outside of home for a college experience?
Saving money is an important goal for college and a good way is to live at home. Many people say I am going to miss out on the best parts of college, advice? #college-advice
7 answers
Tracey Jackson
Tracey’s Answer
Great question. Living away from home would get one quickly acclimated to life and living on ones own post college. Living at home would put a student in a better financial situation to leave home after college to start "life". While you may save money by staying at home for college, you may miss that crucial development time post high school where you learn to adjust to your new freedom. If you choose to stay home for college, have a plan. Are you going to stay for two years then transfer? Are you going to stay and get a part time job? While being home, your parents/guardian may have an "idea" what your should be doing while in college that may differ from your very own.
Consider those things in your decision making.
Whitney Vincenti
Whitney’s Answer
Hi Lauren!
I also agree with what Tracey is saying. Think ahead and have a plan for what you will be doing. As a college student, I lived on campus and thought it helped a lot with many aspects of life. It takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to socialize more and adapt to living on your own and gaining more responsibilities. However, financial planning is also important to consider. If you find that you have to stay home due to financial reasons, you can still find ways to experience things as if you were living out of the house.
At your college, explore various clubs and activities that you could get involved in. This can help with socializing with new people, exploring new things, and spending more time on campus instead of at home. Another thing you can implement is increasing your responsibilities at home. Grocery shop for yourself, make your own meals, and do extra chores around the house to develop responsibilities.
Whichever option you decide, it is your duty to make the most of it!
Whitney recommends the following next steps:
Rachel Weinheimer
Rachel’s Answer
Retha Patton
Retha’s Answer
Your college experience is going to be one of the most impactful times during your entire lifetime, and I am excited that you are being proactive in planning for this life-changing experience. From my personal and professional experience, I believe living on campus or “going away to college” is an essential part not only of ensuring a total college educational experience but also that important role of transitioning from child/teen to learning to become an adult and accepting responsibilities. Being on your own during your college years forces you to develop social values and morals, accepting responsibility for all your actions, learning how to set up a household, manage money and establish a budget, time management, and a million other necessary skills that you will need to be successful later in your career and relationships.
However, the biggest advantage is the ability to get involved in the many facets of student life - such a variety of student organizations to help develop your leadership skills, participate in sports, concerts, etc as your interests should dictate, and attend extra guest lectures, speakers, and opportunities to interact with your professors and other campus administrators. All these things add to your development, experience, and skills and give you an edge in your professional attainment.
Adding these items to your resume will get the attention of your potential employers and will get you those interviews to be able to sell yourself - and get your dream job!
Melanie Deguzman
Melanie’s Answer
As a student, I canny that living outside of home helps you develop a sense of self and maturity that staying at home can sometimes limit; however, it comes with great debt as living costs are extremely high in college. Living on campus will put you closer to your friends and classmates, but assessing whether the payoff of interaction is worthy for the great amount of debt is up to you. One thing you could does live on campus for a year, then decide whether you like that or not. Sometimes, if you don't want to pay the cost of campus living and don't live near school, renting a home could be cheaper with some friends. If you end up doing that, just make sure you live with those who you trust.
Ana Owen
Ana’s Answer
You can still get the " college experience". The most important thing is to get involved in campus life. So join organizations, go to sporting events, etc. But YOU have to the initiative and say hello to people in your class and actually go to club meetings.
Ana recommends the following next steps:
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
It is smart to save money by living at home. Your life will be more difficult if you have debt after graduation.