When deciding where to go to college, I was informed pre-college, college, and post-starting college to dorm, but I never took anyone’s advice. Deciding not to dorm in college, for me, is one of the things I regret the most in my college life thus far. I know, everyone’s probably thinking- if you commute or stay home- you save thousands of dollars, you have your own bed, home-cooked meals, and even your laundry done for free- but if I could go back to choosing dorm vs. no-dorm again, I would try the other path.
Going to a mainly commuter school, I don’t feel as horrible about not dorming, because a lot of students don’t live there anyway. My decision to not dorm really hits me now when break is near, and everyone’s returning back home, and has all these amazing experiences, and crazy stories, and my ‘crazy’ stories barely make the list. As a commuter currently attending college, here is a list of why’s you should dorm when making one of the most impacting decisions of your life!
- Besides making experiences, you need someone to make them with! I think people who dorm make so much more impacting friendships than commuters even have the opportunity to do. Obviously you meet people in your classes, and on campus, but, your dorm is your house, you’re bound to find someone who you can really, really connect with. My brother use to dorm in college, and is still in contact with his roommates. Maybe I’m wrong, but to me, living with someone is on a whole new level- you just understand that person more.
- Your house-your rules. I think this is one of the most enticing things for a student wanting to live away from home. You move away, even though you’re by yourself, you have your own space. You’re responsible for that space, and what you do with it.
- Not only spacing, but you can do whatever you want! Commuting to college feels like going to a harder high school, in simplest terms. You go to class, you have your lunch, and there are activities on school you can attend. I have never heard anyone who dorms say they feel like a high school student-for a commuter, this is a common notion. You can come and go as you like- something you really can’t do living with parents.
- My last point why I Think you should dorm is – this is your last chance to have an amazing time before life seriously hits you! Once you’re done college, you. Are. On. Your. Own. There’s no one holding your hand, leading the way, and college is a great way to prepare for that time!
I know college is expensive, but if you can afford it... do it! It’s going to be a learning experience whether good or bad. Though I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else but to my school, I know I would’ve felt a stronger connection if I was living there.
