I never wanted to stay close to home. I wanted to go as far as California for college, but plans changed and I ended up staying home and going to school twenty minutes from my house. I still dorm, and honestly it’s one of the best ideas I’ve ever made.
1. Money
For my college specifically, going to school close to home saved money and I’m still able to dorm. This will definitely help in the long run.
2. (Real) Food to go home to whenever
As any college students knows, you can get sick of dining hall food very quickly. Being so close to home, I can have my parents’ cooking anytime I want.
3. My bed is only 20 minutes away
My bed. I miss it quite often. There are many times that I can go home for the weekend to finally get some well rested sleep without anyone coming in and waking me up.
4. Great for illnesses
Getting sick is the worst, and getting sick in college is even worse. When I got sick my first semester of freshman year, my mom showed up at my dorm with a ton of supplies to help me get through it. Sure, if I lived farther away my mom could have mailed it to me but it’s easier when you can see your mom the day you feel sick.
5. I don't have to miss family occasions
Going away to college means missing out on family birthdays or smaller holidays and events. Being so close I can see my family whenever I want and still be able to go to family dinners or parties.
6. Great for when I forget something
One of the best parts to living so close is that if I ever forget something, it’s only twenty minutes away and I can go back to pick it up.
7. Independence
After high school I couldn’t wait to “move out”. By dorming twenty minutes away, I still get my independence without curfews or my parents wondering what I’m up to. I have all the independence of an adult yet my parents are just a quick drive away if I ever need anything.
