2 answers
Leah
Student
Campbell, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
195 views
What would be your advice regarding staying on campus as a college Freshman vs. living at home.
I am torn between staying at home to save money and living on campus to experience more change and prepare myself for moving on. Any suggestions? #Fall25
Login to comment
2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
788
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Leah. The best decision depends on what matters most to you and your goals. Living on campus gives you a chance to become more independent. You will learn to manage your time, money, and daily life without your family around. This experience helps prepare you for life after college. You will also be closer to campus events, clubs, and activities, which makes it easier to make friends and meet new people. These connections can help you grow personally and even help your future career.
Staying at home has important benefits too, especially when it comes to money. College can be expensive, and living at home saves money on housing, food, and other costs. This can help you avoid debt and focus on your studies or other opportunities like internships. Living at home can also make the transition to college less stressful because your family is nearby for support.
To make the decision, you should think about your priorities. If independence, social life, and experiencing campus life are most important, living on campus is a good choice. If saving money and having family support are more important, staying at home may be better.
There is no wrong choice. Both options can lead to a successful college experience if you make the most of it. What matters most is how you use your time, grow as a person, and prepare for life after college.
Staying at home has important benefits too, especially when it comes to money. College can be expensive, and living at home saves money on housing, food, and other costs. This can help you avoid debt and focus on your studies or other opportunities like internships. Living at home can also make the transition to college less stressful because your family is nearby for support.
To make the decision, you should think about your priorities. If independence, social life, and experiencing campus life are most important, living on campus is a good choice. If saving money and having family support are more important, staying at home may be better.
There is no wrong choice. Both options can lead to a successful college experience if you make the most of it. What matters most is how you use your time, grow as a person, and prepare for life after college.
Maycon Santos
Staff Researcher, Data & AI
5
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Maycon’s Answer
Hi Leah! I was an international student in college, so I didn't have much choice. I'm also an introvert, so making friends doesn't come as naturally to me.
That said, I don't regret living on campus at all. I met some of my closest friends during my pre-orientation program and later in my residence hall. Resident Assistants (RAs) are encouraged, and usually have a budget, to organize community-building events, which made it much easier to meet people.
That said, if money is a concern, it's completely reasonable to prioritize saving it. It sounds like you live close to campus, so you can still spend a lot of time there, join clubs and events, and eventually find your community without living in the dorms.
That said, I don't regret living on campus at all. I met some of my closest friends during my pre-orientation program and later in my residence hall. Resident Assistants (RAs) are encouraged, and usually have a budget, to organize community-building events, which made it much easier to meet people.
That said, if money is a concern, it's completely reasonable to prioritize saving it. It sounds like you live close to campus, so you can still spend a lot of time there, join clubs and events, and eventually find your community without living in the dorms.