Living at home, versus living on campus. So many things you may have gotten used to, changed. Such as responsibility, living space, food. You never sit there and think about what it would be like not having those glorious helpers we call our parents, and even younger siblings. I think now is the time for most to think about what it is going to be like when you move out and begin to live on your own, such as on campus at your university of choice. What will that be like? I can give you a little insight on that subject.
I moved onto campus in August of 2016. I was extremely excited to get away from home and from my dad’s “ridiculous” rules. Gaining more freedom to do what I pleased, and becoming best friends with my roommate. However, I never thought about how vastly different the two things were. So many things alike, but so many more things that differentiated from what it is like to live at home.
Responsibility is one of the key elements when you’re living on campus. While you have responsibilities at home, I think the ones on campus outway those by a ton. Some people decide to sign up for earlier classes, which means getting up earlier so you can make it to your class on time to get a good seat, especially on the first day. Attendance isn’t as strict at college as it is at grade school, however it weighs more on whether you pass or fail your classes. Meaning: do NOT skip a class just because you wanted 30 minutes extra of sleepy-time. Save the 4/6 days you have to miss just in case you have a legitimate reason. I mean it.
Next is the food situation. I don’t know about you, but unless I was really in the mood to cook, I let my dad do all the work because he has far more years of cooking under his belt than I. However, here, while you have a cafeteria and the workers making the food, it is YOUR responsibility to get up out of your study chair and walk yourself to your cafeteria. Your mom or dad are not here to tell you dinner’s ready. Which also stinks because some cafeterias have a certain time frame that they are open for. Meaning that if you miss dinner, too bad, so sad. Order pizza or go out and eat. You can’t allow yourself to starve. However, sometimes you may choose to skip because cafe food isn’t always the best. Still: find food!!!
Thirdly: roommates!!! Yay or nay? Unless you pay extra, you get a roommate. Someone you must learn to share a small room with, changing your living style slightly to deal with, and respecting that maybe they’re just not like you. While choosing friends may be an option for you, that may not always be the case for others. For most colleges, you take a survey a few months before move in, that places you with someone who tested and was found to have things more in common with you. Sometimes, this method works out perfectly and your roommate turns out to be your best friend. However, that sadly isn’t always the case.
Thus getting me closer to the end. While everything I listed seemed like negative difference, there ARE a few positives. Such as the fact that there is always something for you to do on campus, plus all of your friends are close by. Secret parties and all that cool stuff. Much fun to be had. No more excuses, you can do as you please. Well, unless the rules state otherwise. Always follow the rules and stay out of trouble.
So for those of you who don’t have the pleasure of living on campus, I hope that you are still being responsible and doing your chores. Washing your own cloths, and not expecting others to do them for you. Cooking your own food, and what not. For those of you living on campus, exercise your new rights and privileges properly. Respect your roommates, make friends. Life on campus may not be as convenient as life at home but it could all play out right in the end.
