4 answers
Iris
Student
Cassville, WI
1
Question
Updated
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Should I live on campus or commute?
I live about an hour away from the college I would like to attend. I am caught in between if I should live there or commute. Some days my classes start as early as 7 am. I do not mind driving and I feel like it would be doable to drive. Living there also has its perks. Any advice/pros or cons are welcome! #Fall25
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I evaluate the local region, and determine if the college has the resources you need, and how much time you will be required to be on campus each day.
Basically, spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. You will also need to evaluate the economic advantages and disadvantages of commuting to the campus, or staying on the campus, in the dorms and in student housing.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially information on campus resources, student housing options, parking availability, academic majors, student life options, admissions, security services, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
I have observed many students, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good, because the commuting option was too great.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, or going back and forth each day, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Basically, spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. You will also need to evaluate the economic advantages and disadvantages of commuting to the campus, or staying on the campus, in the dorms and in student housing.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially information on campus resources, student housing options, parking availability, academic majors, student life options, admissions, security services, library resources, and other elements of the campus.
I have observed many students, who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good, because the commuting option was too great.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, or going back and forth each day, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Jennifer Bloomquist- CIPP/US/E, CIPM
Risk Specialist for Privacy and Confidentiality Impact Accessments
23
Answers
Clarksville, Tennessee
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Iris,
If you're looking to attend school in your local area, it doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing. You can choose to live on campus for your first year so that you get the dorm experience and the opportunity to meet new people through what is happening outside of classes. If later in your sophomore, junior, or senior year you decide that you'd like to save money by living home or by moving out or living with roommates, that is an option too.
The one thing I would say that might be a consideration too is if you are going to a state school and currently live in an area where you'd be having to pay for out-of-state tuition. In cases like that, you'll want to review the rules with the school and the state. I've known a lot of people in that situation that basically got an apartment with friends as soon as they could so they could work on obtaining state residency. Living in a dorm and then moving back home over the summer doesn't count in some states for residency to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Another way of looking at it is to see how the school makes most of their money. Some schools have cheap tuition with high room/board costs while other schools have expensive tuition with cheap room/board costs. There are schools in the middle, too. If you're in an area where the room/board costs are cheap relative to tuition, that's another variable to consider, especially in your freshman year when everyone is meeting other people on a social level.
I went to school locally and lived on campus my freshman year. My first semester of sophomore year I lived on campus and the second semester I studied abroad. I lived on campus my junior year and then lived at home my senior year. I went to a private school, so everything was expensive. By the time I got to my senior year and had to spend a whole semester student teaching, it didn't make sense to live on campus because I was spending my day in the community at the school where I was student teaching, so it was more convenient to live at home with my parents.
If you're looking to attend school in your local area, it doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing. You can choose to live on campus for your first year so that you get the dorm experience and the opportunity to meet new people through what is happening outside of classes. If later in your sophomore, junior, or senior year you decide that you'd like to save money by living home or by moving out or living with roommates, that is an option too.
The one thing I would say that might be a consideration too is if you are going to a state school and currently live in an area where you'd be having to pay for out-of-state tuition. In cases like that, you'll want to review the rules with the school and the state. I've known a lot of people in that situation that basically got an apartment with friends as soon as they could so they could work on obtaining state residency. Living in a dorm and then moving back home over the summer doesn't count in some states for residency to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Another way of looking at it is to see how the school makes most of their money. Some schools have cheap tuition with high room/board costs while other schools have expensive tuition with cheap room/board costs. There are schools in the middle, too. If you're in an area where the room/board costs are cheap relative to tuition, that's another variable to consider, especially in your freshman year when everyone is meeting other people on a social level.
I went to school locally and lived on campus my freshman year. My first semester of sophomore year I lived on campus and the second semester I studied abroad. I lived on campus my junior year and then lived at home my senior year. I went to a private school, so everything was expensive. By the time I got to my senior year and had to spend a whole semester student teaching, it didn't make sense to live on campus because I was spending my day in the community at the school where I was student teaching, so it was more convenient to live at home with my parents.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Iris,
The main argument for living at home is of course to save some money. You would also be able to stay in familiar surroundings, have your family and friends around you.
On the other hand, going to college is not only about going to school, it's also about growing up and becoming your own person. It's hard to grow when you stay in the same routines you always had. It's hard to develop when the people around you still see you as a child.
You'll also waste a lot of time just commuting. You'll always be tempted to just skip the late class, not go to the evening event etc. It will be hard to develop deep friendships and a network because you'll always want to drive home to your family and friends at home. The campus community is a special place. I wouldn't want to miss it.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
The main argument for living at home is of course to save some money. You would also be able to stay in familiar surroundings, have your family and friends around you.
On the other hand, going to college is not only about going to school, it's also about growing up and becoming your own person. It's hard to grow when you stay in the same routines you always had. It's hard to develop when the people around you still see you as a child.
You'll also waste a lot of time just commuting. You'll always be tempted to just skip the late class, not go to the evening event etc. It will be hard to develop deep friendships and a network because you'll always want to drive home to your family and friends at home. The campus community is a special place. I wouldn't want to miss it.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Anthony Hitchcock (US)
Auditor
12
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Iris,
Personally, I lived on campus for all four years, and I do not regret it one bit. My biggest reason for no regrets is that I would have wasted so much time driving if I lived off campus. I also would have had to cook for myself, which would have taken more time. As a college student, you will find out that there are not enough hours in a day (especially if you take school seriously).
Other reasons I am happy with my decision to stay on campus are:
1) the campus community - you get to know a lot more people if you're on campus and constantly bumping shoulders
2) library - it might be a quieter place to study than home
Good luck!
-Anthony
Personally, I lived on campus for all four years, and I do not regret it one bit. My biggest reason for no regrets is that I would have wasted so much time driving if I lived off campus. I also would have had to cook for myself, which would have taken more time. As a college student, you will find out that there are not enough hours in a day (especially if you take school seriously).
Other reasons I am happy with my decision to stay on campus are:
1) the campus community - you get to know a lot more people if you're on campus and constantly bumping shoulders
2) library - it might be a quieter place to study than home
Good luck!
-Anthony