I have been attending Rock Valley College, my local community college which is situated in Rockford, Illinois, for several semesters now. I think that, like any college student, I have had both good and bad experiences on campus. Similarly, every college that you might consider or that might consider you has its pros and cons. Today I am going to cover a few good reasons to at least start your college life at a community college.

I want to say that for me Rock Valley is a great local opportunity. They have stupendous courses and opportunities in the areas of sports, nursing, and mass communications. I am truly passionate in the general area of journalism/mass communications. (So writing this is right up my alley.) In my very first semester there I took Introduction to Video Production simultaneously with Introduction to Audio Production. I found the video class more interesting.

One of the many cool aspects of being a member of these mass com classes was that we got to rent out quality grade equipment such as professional tripods and a variety of microphones for recording sound clips. Plus, this "renting" did not cost the students anything extra. It was included as part of the class. This allowed me to borrow some great gear to use on my own time for my out-of-class projects as well as personal projects. The video course teacher really encourages the random personal use of the equipment. This makes his students more familiar, comfortable, and efficient when handling the equipment in class and on assignments. I loved it.

Anyway, enough about me! The community college works out quite well for me currently, and I ended up going here because of four main benefits which most community colleges provide to their students. This article does not imply that all community colleges are equal or that they have all four of these benefits. The majority of community colleges, in general, are likely to have these qualities.

It's Pretty Easy to Get In

It is typically rather simple to get into a community college in comparison to a four-year university. Applying for a local community college takes less time and (frankly) work. For many, it also takes less stress. You can apply and take a placement test with relative ease, whereas many universities require a statement or an entire paper explaining why you think you would be a good fit for their curriculum. Those types of intense applications are just so that you might be considered for acceptance; they do not guarantee your getting in. Entering a community college is simpler.

They Generally Have Less Costly Tuition

In comparison to a university, the community college option is almost always less expensive in the area of tuition. As students are often working jobs while attending college, they realize very quickly how important a thing money usually is. If you were capable of making the numbers on your college bills decrease, wouldn't you do that? In a way, you can - by saving money on your overall tuition and researching the best options open to you. In some cases, going to a community college for your first two years is not going to be less expensive in the long run. You just need to do your research and some simple math.

You Don't Have to Pay for Room and Board

In cases such as my own, since the community college is pretty close there is no need to pay for room and board. I am fortunate. I only need to take a 20-minute drive from my home to the college. It's not that far! Even though it takes a bit more time to get on campus and then get to my classes, it isn't as costly as paying for room and board. Besides, we all know many of the rooms you live in at a university are not the most spacious, comfortable, or get-together-compatible.

You Get to Be Close to Home

I feel as though starting my college years at the local community college conditioned me, adjusted me, for the expectations of college professors. I am being given a taste of the college lifestyle while still continuing my life of yesterday. It prepares you for either future college or life as a whole - or both! It allows you to remain comfortable in the abode you are already accustomed to such as your apartment or house.

I'm 18. Call me a momma's boy if it makes you feel good, but I love my family. Yes, we have our turbulent moments, but we press on through all of them. For me, staying at home while pursuing a career in the media and taking college courses was a good choice. And as I am growing used to what is required of me, the transition from Rock Valley to a university should not be as stressful as going straight from high school to a university.