Considering switching to an online degree

Currently, I am completing a traditional degree in political science. However, I am considering an online degree. While I don’t necessarily mind the classroom, and have no issue whatsoever actually engaging/getting up for class/etc. I am one of the few people legitimately interested in class content and discussion. I just feel that otherwise, besides being physically in a classroom, there is no absolutely no purpose for me to be physically on campus and live on campus. I have a full ride to the institution that I am at, and am doing very well academically currently, I feel that often I am one of the only few who takes this whole “getting an education thing” seriously. I have even been told by more than one instructor that I am one of the best students they have ever had. It’s just that the living situation is really taxing my capacities and abilities. I live in a dorm currently, where all of the typical crazy party stuff happens, and I feel like I am one of the few who is trying to legitimately learn. People are going to do what they do, but loud screaming and rap music at 2am isn’t the best thing in the world. I don’t know. I just feel like I am in my own little bubble of books and video games, and I am there alone until something goes wrong and someone needs me to teach a semester’s worth of American Government in one night right before a final exam, which I can and have done before. I don’t mind it and love to teach it, but I feel more like unpaid faculty/tutor/mentor/glorified babysitter than a student living on campus. So, a few of my friends suggested I complete an online program. Should I talk to my adviser about this? Is it worth it? I took 33 credits of classes online through dual enrollment in high school and have taken an online class at this university, so I have prior experiences with online classes. I’m 20 and am a junior (for registration purposes due to the high school credits).

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I’d stay where you are. I wouldn’t give up a full scholarship… If anything, it sounds like a living situation issue the most - perhaps you’d benefit from living off campus in a one bedroom, or with like-minded roommates. As someone that has taken online courses, you still won’t find that perfect community of people that care as much as you do - and you’ll be stuck doing group projects with them online.

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