by Angela Diggs

Created on: November 11, 2008

When it comes to deciding whether you want to live on campus or commute, you should do what is in your best interest. The determining factors are whether you are starting your first year or last year in school. It also depends on what your financial situation looks like as well. Dig deep inside your heart. What do you feel more comfortable with? What feels right to you? How would your family feel about you leaving home?

Personally, I believe it is essential to live on campus the first year of college. When you live on campus, you get the full college experience and it develops you better as an adult. The first year is something you cannot get back. You will never forget the relationships you formed and the friends you made. What you experience this time around will stay with you for the rest of your life. Make it count for something.

Freshman year is the year you get the most help. Financial aid is dolled out in larger amounts. In my first two years of college, I dormed. At first I did not want to go away to school. I wanted to go to a two year college. My mother told me she would not accept that choice. She thought it was best for me to go to a four year college and away. She was right. When you live on the grounds everything is there for you. You have access to the library, gym and computer lab. There is usaully a food court you can go to. You have the tools to use in front of you. This is what I loved most about my experience in college. In the morning you can get up and use your food card to get ready made breakfast. It is very comfortable.

While living on campus is more expensive tuition wise, it better equips you deal with challenges on your own. You get the jist of what it is like to be on your own. When you are in the midst of making this life changing choice, you must weigh the pro's and con's. Living on school grounds means you will have a roomate or roomates. It means you will be closer to classes and staff. Commuting means you will have to have your own transportation or public transportation to school. You will need to manage your time wisely. Commuting is more difficult because it requires you to seperate school life from home life. If you can pull this off, go for it. Different things work for different people.

Overall, it is your choice to decide what would work best for you. It is your life and you have to make the sensible choice. Go with your heart and mind.

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