Should I Live at Home While Im in College

Living at home while in college is a serious option for many college students. There are many benefits -- from saving money to avoiding the chaos of residence hall life -- but also many challenges. If youre considering living at home during your time in school, make sure to think through these aspects before making a decision. Things to Consider About Living at Home in College Finances. You may save money by not having to pay for room and board. But you may also have other expenses that you wouldnt have if you lived on campus, like commuting costs (gas, car maintenance, a bus pass, carpool costs), parking expenses, and food that youll get stuck buying when youre on campus during the day. Make sure to consider the costs of living with your parents as well as living on-campus to make sure youre taking everything into consideration. Time. Living at home may take time away from what you can spend physically connected to your campus. On the other hand, you may be more efficient at home than you would be in a residence hall, for example, when doing your homework. Think about time and safety intersections, too -- you may not mind staying late one night to finish a group project, but will you feel safe commuting home if its really late? Personal factors. Living on campus or with your parents is a personal decision. You may want to connect more with other students (in a residence hall or Greek house, for example), or you may want or need to stay closer (physically and personally) to your family. How will living at home have an impact on your personal life? Your family life? Your social life? Will you regret not living at home? Will you regret not living on campus? Other Alternatives to Consider If you dont want to stay in a traditional residence hall but dont want to live at home either, there are some alternatives you may want to consider: Living in off-campus apartments owned by the schoolLiving in off-campus apartments independent of the schoolLiving in a Greek house or theme house-sitting for a professor on sabbaticalRenting a room from a professor or houseLiving in married student or family housing, if youre eligible