Living At Home During College: The Pros & Cons
Debating about staying at home for college? Then you’re going to want to read this.
Everyone’s college experience is different. For some, the typical 4-year university plan is the way to go. With others, there might be a different approach available. If you’re a little more hesitant about going away to college, you’ve probably considered living at home instead of on campus.
If that’s you, we’re here to help. We’ve listed out all the pros and cons of living at home during college so you can decide what’s best for you.
Pro: Saving Money
Let’s be real—living on campus is expensive. The average double room for a college student costs $3,718 a semester (or $7,436 per year). And don’t forget that most colleges require you to have a meal plan on campus your first year. TLDR; you’re spending a lot of money.
Living at home can be a way to control those costs. Even if your parents charge you rent, it’s likely more cost-efficient.
Con: Commuting to Campus
Driving to and from campus daily can be a real drag, especially if you live far away from school. The time you spend in the car could instead be spent doing homework, meeting with professors, or even hanging out with friends.
And of course, you’re going to have to pay for gas. Weigh the cost of filling your car up against living on campus.
Pro: Privacy
While you might think that living on campus is a way to get more privacy away from your parents, you’re in for a rude awakening. When you live on campus, there’s always someone in your business, and it’s hard to get a moment alone.
Living in a dorm is noisy, and you’re likely going to have a roommate. If peace and quiet are super important to you, living on campus probably isn’t your best option.
Con: Making Friends is Tougher
Since you’re not on campus 24/7, it’s going to be more difficult to make friends. The big social events will happen once you’re already home. Of course, you can always go back on campus for important events and games, but it’s more of a hassle.
For people who are more extroverted, living at home might make you feel more isolated.
Pro: Ease into College
For some people, the thought of going away to college is incredibly daunting and anxiety-inducing. You might not feel ready for such a sudden change, and that’s totally okay! Staying at home might make you feel more at-ease.
You’ll have the chance to essentially do a test run of college. You’re still going to classes every day and adjusting to the new workload without also being in a new environment. Plus, if you love it, you’ll know you can head to campus next year.
Con: Less Independence
A huge part of the college experience is learning how to be fully independent. You’re on your own, likely for the first time in your life—you’re fully responsible for yourself.
By living at home, you lose that. Your parents will likely still dote on you by reminding you of things, helping you out, and just…being parents! They’re doing it because they love you, but you don’t have as much autonomy this way.
Pro: Built-In Support System
Not to burst your bubble, but college isn’t all great all the time. You’re going to hit slumps. You’re going to get stressed and feel like you can’t face another day of classes. Dealing with this alone can be mentally exhausting.
By living with the people who know and love you the best, your support system is only a few rooms away. Plus, you won’t be dealing with any homesickness.
Con: FOMO
Part of being in college is being spontaneous. The quick coffee after class with friends, a late-night run to the gas station right off campus for snacks, staying up late binging your latest Netflix obsession.
Since you’re at home, those experiences won’t happen to you. You might feel like you’re missing out on a crucial part of being a college student.
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Get hyped for the new semester by reading one of these books before summer is over.
