The college experience seems to be synonymous with drinking, being involved with a lot of groups on campus, and living in a dorm or off campus housing with your friends. I have dabbled with the traditional college experience but find myself enjoying my untraditional college experience a lot more. Here are five reasons I like living at home and experiencing college my own way.
1. I don’t pay for rent, electric, or transportation. I’m really lucky my parents are still able to provide for me. They offered to let me live here until I’m done college, knowing how important education and good grades are. This allows me to save my money for when I’m ready to move out and get a home of my own.
2. Sometimes I get to have family dinner with my parents. I really started taking advantage of this in high school, not realizing that come college I would be so busy and actually miss being with my family. Not to mention a home cooked meal is something I would never want to pass up over a dining hall meal.
3. I thoroughly enjoy my time alone. When living in a dorm I was never positive the next time I would get to just lay in bed and have time to my own thoughts. This gave me the illusion that I could never relax. Having a house to myself between classes and club meetings has given me a chance to stay on top of homework and deal with any personal things I need to.
4. After turning 21, drinking with my mom after a long day has been a reason I enjoy living at home. There is truly nothing more enjoyable than having a glass of wine, or two, with my mom and complaining about everything I’m stressed about. Being such good friends with my mom makes living at home a lot easier. I couldn’t imagine not enjoying my parents company while being in the stressful environment that is college.
5. Living at home means staying with my hedgehog, Riley. If you know me at all, you are probably getting tired of hearing about my hedgehog. She’s just way too cute and fun for me to not bring her into the conversation. Whenever I’m stressed after class I take Riley outside to play or bring her on my stomach for a quick nap.
There are many more reasons I’ve enjoyed living at home during college but most of them involve food and privacy. I truly believe I am missing out on some great parts of the college experience but I also appreciate what my parents have provided me during my college years. I think my college experience would definitely seem lame to others, but I feel lucky for having my savings, family dinners, alone time, drinks with my mom, and keeping my hedgehog around.
