by Joyce D. Sinclair

Created on: February 19, 2008

I really enjoyed living in the dorm when I was in college. A few people I knew chose to stay home and commute to college. Even my parents suggested that I find a college close to where we live so that I could commute and save some money. I told them absolutely not. There were many benefits to living on campus, and this is what I told them:

#1: SAVING MONEY ON GAS: Students who commute to campus use a lot of gas and put a lot of miles on their cars as well as wear and tear. They are prone to getting stuck in traffic and must battle driving in bad weather. Students who commute must also pay about $100-200 for a parking permit, and then at that, parking is always a problem on college campuses. You may not even find a spot if you are late.

#2: INDEPENDENCE VS. RESPONSIBILITY: Living on campus allows students to become more independent, but it also requires them to be more responsible. There is no one there to make sure you get up and go to class. There is no one to remind you to pick up after yourself. While students can generally come and go as they please, they must learn that line between going to class and finding time to do their homework and visiting with friends. Many students get to college and cannot handle the fact that their parents are not looming over them, but the vast majority of them learn rather quickly that certain things that must get done first before they can enjoy their free time.

#3: SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Colleges and dorms often offer social gatherings and activities for students to do on the weekends and sometimes during the week. Many times, individual dorms and even your own floor may have some kind of gathering or celebration with music and food. Sororities and fraternities are also available for students to join. Many clubs and cultural activities take place on the weekend, making it worthwhile for students to live on campus.

#4: CLOSE TO THINGS YOU NEED: When you live on campus, you find that you are in the midst of everything you need. You find that you are close to laundry facilities, computer labs, large study rooms for group study or meetings, student health center, weight rooms, dining halls, student union/bookstore, and classroom buildings. No matter the weather, you are already within walking distance (unless you live on a huge campus) of everything you need. Not to mention great exercise!

It is clear to see that although it may cost more to stay in a dorm, it is far more beneficial for students who are in their first years in college. In fact, there are many colleges and universities who require their freshmen to stay on campus. I believe it really helps students to realize who they are inside, and it helps them to create friends. Living on campus is that stepping stone between living at home with their parents and being a fully self-sufficient adult.

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