I started my first year of college at a small school about an hour away from home. I loved everything about it. I lived with my best friend in a brand new apartment. I loved my school and having the freedom of having my own apartment.

I was extremely happy with where I was at in my life, but I made the hour-long drive home every single weekend. I am an independent individual and I enjoy doing things on my own. I always found myself being the kid who never experienced homesickness growing up. Being away from my family on vacations and school trips never bothered me.

I am more than capable of being without my parents, but sure enough, after that first year away from home I made a last minute decision. I transferred to the University in my hometown and moved back home.

This was the best choice I could have made. I now have an extra $600 dollars in my pocket every month that I had been spending on rent. I don't have to buy groceries anymore or worry about any type of bills. My parents feed me and support me in every way possible. This is something everyone needs in college. It's nice to have their around the clock support.

The commute from home to campus isn't always a bad thing. I use this time to listen to music, listen to study materials, and even pray. My commute from home to campus is about 30 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to wake up and get ready for the day ahead of me. It's not fun waking up an extra 30 minutes early every day. It's really not fun finding commuter parking every day, but it is all worth it in the end.

Some people ask me if I feel like I am still getting the true college experience while living off campus. My answer to that is of course. I am involved in multiple clubs and hold leadership positions. I maintain good grades and get all my work done. I have made tons of friends.

I have actually made more friends while living at home than I did living on campus at my first school. I still go to the bars and attend the events I want to. It's not always easy, but if you want it bad enough you make it work and that's exactly what I do. College is what you make out of it, It does not matter where you live. You can have a good time no matter what.

My favorite part of living at home during college is getting to enjoy the entire Holiday Season. I still get to be a part of putting the Christmas tree up and decorating it. Christmas on campus without your family can be kind of depressing. I experienced it my first year. It's really just not the same. This might not be something everyone thinks about being a perk of living at home, but trust me it is.

The best part of living at home is truly the money you save. I am leaving Purdue University with almost zero student debt. Instead of spending money on housing, I have been able to save money.

Paying for tuition was my only concern and even that was mostly taken care of through applied scholarships. It's such an amazing feeling to have knowing I will have a minimal amount of loans to worry about after graduation.

I plan to move far away from home after graduation. I can feel completely okay with that now because I have spent so much time with my family during my college years. It's important to me to spend time with my family while I can.

Their love and support have been incredible. My time with them at home has made me an even better person. There is nothing wrong with living at home during college if it's an option for you. I would suggest it to anyone.