Being a “townie” means I have full access to my home anytime I want. But unfortunately, I’m still living on campus in a dorm. Some people are all about that dorm life, but sorry, not me. I would rather have my own room and share a bathroom, fridge, living room, and driveway with my family.
When I was a first year, I was kinda excited about living in a dorm, but then once I got there, I wasn't a huge fan. I mean, you're sharing a room with someone and sometimes it’s hard to have alone time, and I am someone who values alone time and needs it. I would much rather shut my door to my room or shoo everyone out of the kitchen so I could study at home than pick up my stuff and move to a crowded, semi-quiet, odd smelling study lounge. Even in high school, during study hall everyone would go to the library to study, but I would stay in the room because it’s quieter and there’s less people. Everyone studies differently, I need quiet, food, and a comfortable place to study, which I can have at home.
Also, roommate situations can get kinda tricky depending on who you get and how well you get along. Bottom line is, you both won’t always get along, but hopefully you can remain civil, and respectful of each other regardless of the situation. But at home, there’s no one else staying in your room, yes there’s other people in the house, but they aren't constantly less than 10 feet away from you.
Another reason I would rather live at home than in the dorm is the money. Holy cow, room and board is SO expensive, at both public and private schools. I could be saving THOUSANDS of dollars just by staying at home!! If I could eliminate that money from my student loans, that would be lovely, because finances stress me out. And being that I live basically two miles from campus, I would say the gas I use going to and from class everyday compared to living at home would be SO worth it!! To me, it’s a no-brainer.
The food could also be better, depending on what your cooking abilities are. I’ve packed countless school lunches so I think I have a good idea of what to pack for lunch. Since I wouldn't be living on campus, I wouldn’t have a meal plan either. Sure, I could pay to eat in the cafeteria one night or at a campus restaurant but a sack lunch is good too. Yes, that means that we’d probably be spending more money on groceries but I still don’t think it would add up to the amount of money room and board costs. Plus, left overs are always good, just heat them up in the microwave and you’re good!
Living on campus is a good experience, and I think every college student should experience it at least once, but it’s just not what I want for my remaining two years of college following this year.
