<p>My parents and I collectively decided earlier this year that I would not dorm as part of my college experience. This saves them $12,000 per annum. I lived so close to campus anyways, so I reasoned that I would not be missing out too much. </p>
<p>Being one of the very, very few commuter students at a largely residential university makes feel a little special [I believe I am one of only two freshmen (out of 2,000+ freshmen) who will be commuting to BC this fall] ...and a little anxious at the same time. Will I make friends? Will my social life be absolutely terrible?</p>
<p>Anyone else commuting as part of their college experience?</p>
<p>But then again, you live close so that’s not going to drain you. As for me, it was a draining experience. I was tired everyday. I still did well, but it hindered my social life drastically compared to my first semester, when I was living close (off campus). </p>
<p>I didn’t make as many friends, but I made friends. Didn’t hang out–spent a lot of time working (studying), and if not working, it was returning home (an hour away).</p>
<p>I go to community college, and I haven’t had problems making friends in my classes. I even made friends in my online classes. No, you won’t get the full college expierences, partying, and all that jazz…but that might be a good thing, and with the pressure of your parents breathing down your neck will help you stay on track :)</p>
<p>Just ignore the words “full college experience”. When you go on your first job interview after graduation what’s more important: the fact that you got the “full college experience” or the fact that you have a college degree?</p>
<p>Do what’s best for you. You made a smart choice, and stay positive about it!</p>
<p>I commute to my community college (of course, so does everyone else, lol), but I haven’t found not living in a dorm to ruin my college experience at all. I just think of how much money I’m saving by living at home because no way could I have afforded a dorm for four years without going into major debt!! I’ve still made great friends and have gotten great opportunities to participate in stuff on campus.</p>
<p>No, she would not be getting the full experience. It is not the same at all. It might not affect her getting a job, but it may or may not affect other things. Like living on your own, making your own choices, etc. Sure, you may get some of those experiences as a commuter, but it is not the same. The only thing that is the same is the degree you get at the end.</p>
<p>“Full college experience” is one of the worst phrases ever. It just doesn’t work best for some people, it’s just not the smartest decision. The best thing to do is to come back down to Earth and realize that the best thing you can do for yourself is get the best education possible and be in as less debt as possible at graduation. I think it’s ridiculous to get yourself in all that debt just to have the “full college experience”. It’s not responsible, and a lot of people regret it after college. Or after the first semester. I know people who have already had to come back home because it’s too expensive.</p>
<p>Do what’s best for you. There’s not a rule that says “commuter students can’t have a social life”. Make your college experience what you want it to be.</p>
<p>It’s really not the realistic choice for a lot of people. It cost a LOT just to live in a dorm and eat on campus. Some people just can’t afford it, and there’s nothing wrong with it.</p>
<p>Whether commuting will “destroy your social life” will depend heavily on your personal situation and your personal outlook.</p>
<p>For example, how far away exactly do you live? 20 minutes or 5 minutes? It makes a difference. How strict are your parents? Super strict about curfew or won’t mind you coming in at 3am/spending the night away from home? Also, are you outgoing? Many freshmen make bonds immediately based on who they are living with and will find it harder to connect with somebody not living with them - this doesn’t mean they like you less, it just means that they are lazy. Can you accept that and move past it/be proactive?</p>
<p>October47 provides excellent advice. You are attending a fabulous college and getting a fabulous education, and what’s more you will be getting it at a very reduced cost. Also, you may turn out being more mature/socially apt than the dormers once you graduate - after all, you will need to really manage your time well, be more positive, accept financial realities etc. as a commuter. You seem to already be on the right page. You’re positive, you know this is a good choice for you, and you are excited about college. Keep up that attitude and trust me, you will get the “full college experience.”</p>
<p>One of my best college friends commuted…we sometimes “forgot” about him when we had impromptu get togethers, yes, but mostly we didn’t and the more we got used to it the more we didn’t forget. He has since dropped out but we all still talk to him and hang out with him. If you can be friends with college kids and not even BE in college, I think you can handle being a commuter haha.</p>
<p>If you don’t have to contribute to the cost of your education, maybe you can even save up enough money during the school year/over the summer to rent a cheap place off campus with a roommate if you are really hankering for your own place. But again it’s up to you. I’m sure everything will be fine :). Good luck!</p>