Updated: Apr 27, 2023
The ultimate college survival guide
These tips from Discover Student Loans cover the basics of college survival. Use this advice to help you enjoy campus life and get you through freshman year and beyond.
Article highlights
- Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of living on campus or at home with some factors in mind, such as the commute, costs, and your personal preferences.
- While living on campus can make it easier to meet people, living at home may help you stay focused on your studies.
- Living at home can save you money on room and board, but keep in mind you’ll need to account for commuting costs and time.
Choosing to live on campus or at home is a big decision. Consider the pros and cons before you decide.
When considering what college to attend, you will need to decide whether you live on campus or at home. It's a big decision that depends on many factors, including the location of your school, your finances and your personal preferences. Keep these points in mind as you weigh each option.
Living on campus
- It may be easier to meet people and feel part of the college community if you live on campus.
- Living with a roommate in a dorm can either enhance a college experience or be challenging for some students.
- Living in a dorm can be confining and lacking in privacy for some students.
- Residential living can add to the overall cost of your education.
Living at home
- Some students may stay focused on their studies if they live at home.
- If you can live at home for free or low cost, it can be more economical.
- Students may find it difficult to be socially active on campus if they are commuting.
- Some students may feel a lack of independence when living at home.
- Students living at home and commuting to campus will need to be mindful of their schedules and account for the time to commute back and forth.
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