As a student who went to residential and then to a commuter school, I understand the pros and cons of living at home or living in a dorm.
Commuter Schools:
When attending commuter schools, the student really needs to have a lot of self-responsibility. It is on you to get to school whether that be by bus/light rail or driving yourself. You can't blame the weather either. Scheduling is very important too. I made the mistake of giving myself too long of breaks. I sit on campus for a majority of the day. I can't just go back to my house for a few hours. A lot of commuter schools don't have a cafeteria either. You have to bring or buy your own lunch. It gets expensive buying and sometimes you just don't have room in your backpack for lunch. Make sure you bring your headphones and phone charger too. It's much easier to get a job since your home year round. Commuter students typically live with their parents/guardians for a while before getting a place of their own. If you can't wait to get out of the house I wouldn't suggest being a commuter student. Going from residential to commuter wasn't a big adjustment for me. It was nice never having to tell anyone when I was coming home or making some mac-n-cheese at 1am. But I honestly don't mind living with my parents again. It's nice knowing they are close by in case anything happens and able to help me out more. I get to go out still on the weekends with my besties and have so much fun too, without the frat boys!
Residential Schools:
The thing I miss most would be the Caf. I loved that from 8am-8pm I could stop in and get food whenever I wanted and I didn't have to pay. I really enjoyed going back to my dorm after classes and being able to nap in my own room The thing with residential schools is most of the time you are not alone. You have to be okay with less privacy and less alone time. And sharing. You most likely have to share the shower(s). You likely share a room. If sharing isn't your thing, there are single rooms. Also only bring what you need and exchange seasonal clothes when you visit home. There just isn't that much space. The biggest difference between commuter and residential is the price. Tuition is more expensive, room and board and other charges. It's more difficult to get a job if you don't live in the college town year round.
It doesn't matter where you go, it's you who makes it great or not! So enjoy and learn a lot wherever you go!
