When I was applying to colleges my senior year, so many people told me to go away to school, and that they did and it was "the best decision they had ever made." I was thinking about going away for college, but something was telling me I wasn't ready to leave home yet. Now that college has started and I've decided to stay home and commute, I don't regret not leaving, and here's why:

1. I get to see my dog everyday.

I know it sounds silly, but I was genuinely concerned about leaving my dog if I left for college.

2. A lot of my friends stayed home and commute to school.

One of the things you hear the most when choosing a school is "don't do what your friends do, make your own choices." I didn't even follow what my friends did, it just worked out that way. So, I get to see them a lot while making new friends at college.

3. I still have my own room.

No sharing a small space with one other person or multiple people.

4. I don't have to worry about a washing machine not being available.

Or having quarters.

5. I don't have to live off of Ramen or EasyMac.

I'm still able to enjoy my parent's cooking every night and not dream of it.

While there is a part of me wondering if I would have changed in any way by going away to school, I wouldn't change any decisions I've made.