The Pros and Cons of Living at Home During University

Moving into an on-campus dormitory for the first year (or years) of your college education used to be standard procedure. In the past, many universities in the US even required non-local freshmen to live on campus. But in recent years, the rising cost of tuition coupled with an uncertain economic future has led to an increase in the number of students who choose to live at home while they study. In fact, according to Forbes more than half of all American college students are opting to room with mom and dad during their undergraduate degrees, and the New York Times credits this trend as one of the reasons that Americans are paying less for college than in the past.

Certainly, living at home and commuting to a local community college or nearby university has its financial perks, but is it worth the trade-off in independence and campus life? Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of home life during your degree.

Pros:

1. Savings
The number one reason to stay at home while you study: savings. On-campus housing can cost thousands of dollars each year, and while lofted bunk beds and shower shoes may seem iconic, the novelty wears off quickly when your roommate snores and the queue for the shower is thirty minutes long. Your childhood home may seem boring now, but you'll miss the comforts of home and will pay a premium to do so. Students who opt to stay home during their studies are often able to leave school with lower student debt than those who lived on campus, and they never had to deal with a passive-aggressive roommate, a late-night fire drill, or the dodgy cafeteria food.

2. Support
If you have a good relationship with your family, living at home has the added benefit of providing you with a built-in support network. Moving to the dorms can seem exciting but for many students the stress of leaving home, starting classes, and meeting dozens, if not hundreds of new people can leave them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Your family may not be perfect, but don't underestimate the value of a home-cooked meal after a full day of labs or a hug from your dad after a stressful exam. One caveat: don't take your family or their generosity for granted. Your parents may be thrilled that you've decided to stay home during college, but that doesn't mean they're happy (or able) to pay your way for four more years. Pitch in with the housework, be courteous with your comings and goings, and have a serious discussion about if and how you'll pay for room and board.

3. Solidarity
Living at home has become a more and more viable option for millennial undergraduates, which means that the college experience is changing. In the past, commuting may have excluded you from the campus life, but as students increasingly choose this option, you'll find new and creative resources to engage off-campus students. Look for clubs and activities aimed at commuters. Utilize social media to connect with your on- and off-campus classmates. Just because you have off-campus housing doesn't mean you can't be part of the college life.

Cons:

1. Expenses
Most students choose to live at home in order to save money, but before you check that 'commuter' box on your application form make sure that you've run the numbers. Even if you already own a car or have good access to public transportation, the costs of commuting can add up quickly. Car insurance, maintenance, gas, tolls, and parking (and parking tickets!) can add up quickly. A regular commuter fare on buses or trains may come at a discount but can still cost hundreds of dollars per year. And don't forget to check the fine-print of your student aid package. Many grants and loans can be applied to on-campus expenses, but can't be used to cover costs incurred while living at home. Finally, consider the time factors involved in commuting. Even a half-hour commute to and from campus will have a big impact on your study and socialization time, especially during exam periods or if your courses require a lot of group work.

2. Isolation
Yes, many students are opting to live at home during their degrees and universities are responding with increased outreach to off-campus students, but that doesn't mean that you'll have the same experiences as someone living in the dorms. Commuting has its advantages, but it automatically makes it more difficult to meet and connect with your cohort. You'll need to make more effort to join clubs and activities, and will have to factor in your commute and home responsibilities when it comes time for late-night study sessions or on-campus events like concerts, parties, and festivals.

3. Autonomy
Finally, don't underestimate the value of setting off on your own. College is, ostensibly, about earning a degree, but it's also a time to learn how to be independent. Staying home may mean savings and healthy home cooking, but it also means you'll have to follow house rules and won't have the chance to learn on your own. College campuses give students the opportunity to explore their autonomy and make mistakes in a relatively safe environment. Part of the college experience is learning the hard way that blowing your student loan on a Playstation at the start of the semester means eating ramen and Sunny D for the rest of the year. And learning that ramen and Sunny D do not, in fact, have all the necessary nutrients for a healthy body, or mind.