Picking a college is one of the most panic-inducing, stressful, and yet most exciting times in your life. This decision is unlike any before, as it truly sets your future. Some people dream of going away to school, while others are not really into that. For some, staying at home is the ideal decision for them. When their friends tell them they need to experience college life in full by living on campus, they can think about the perks of living at home.
1. Free stuff
This is quite possibly the best part of living at home. You don’t have to pay for room and board, food (unless you go out), cleaning supplies, etc. Living at home during college can really help you save money for whatever you really want to do, plus it will help cut back your student loan debt.
2. Not sharing a bathroom with lots of people
Sure, you will probably have to share with family members, but that’s minuscule compared to what some dorms are like. You are going to know all of your family members, and it is highly likely that there is more than one bathroom. It will be easier to coordinate showers and overall, it will be a more relaxed atmosphere.
3. Good food
School food is good in moderation, but every day, I can only imagine how boring it would get. By living at home, you can make home-cooked meals daily, or you can come home to a family member having done so. You can make healthier choices, as well as just do more with it.
4. Having your own room
If you grew up having your own room, I can only imagine how much of a shock it would be to share a tiny room with someone. When you have your own room, you can shut your door and have privacy. You don’t have to worry about how late you stay up or how early you get up. You have more freedom in a way.
5. Having a car
Sure, some students have cars on campus, but it’s not a guarantee. If you live off campus, you have to get to class somehow. If your school isn’t on a bus line, you are going to need a car. This is a great thing to have. Having a car is instant freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, which is one of the best feelings in the world.
6. Quiet study time when needed
Perhaps the best part of living at home (academically, at least) is that you don’t have to worry about as much noise. If you need to study, you can go to a quiet part of your house, your room or really anywhere you want, shut the door and have quiet study time. This will give you the chance to really focus and not be as easily distracted by friends.
7. Being able to keep the same job
If you plan to work during college, finding a job can be a struggle. By living at home, there is an added chance that you can just keep the same job you had. You won’t have to go through the search process or learn a new job, and you can stay on track with raises
8. Not having to leave your pet
Leaving your pet has to be hard. When you stay home, you don’t have to worry about dealing with leaving them. You get to see them pretty much daily and you won't have to miss them. In a matter of days, they'll be used to to your new schedule and it'll all be normal.
9. Not feeling obligated to go to functions
When you are a commuter, you need to find your niche at school. Find a group, club, or an organization where you fit in so that you can feel like a part of the school. The major perk though is that if you don’t want to go to something, you don’t have to. If there is something at a time you technically don’t have to be on campus, you can use that to your advantage and you won’t be caught. You can avoid feeling pressured to go to things (to some degree) and really pick and choose what you want to do.
10. Being there when your friends come home
Homecomings are always fun, but there’s no guarantee that you and your friends will be home at the same time. When you live at home, you get to see your friends every time they come home from school. When you live at home, you will get to catch up with them more frequently, allowing you to do what you really like to do with them.
College is full of a lot of changes, regardless of whether or not you leave home. While both options have their perks, for some, living at home is just the better choice. It really comes down to what is the best option for you. Look at the schools and your situation and go from there. Don't feel pressured to do something or go somewhere you don't want to. College is what you make of it. Have fun and do what makes you comfortable.
