Dorm Life or Commute?

Student Lounge College Life
1

I was recently accepted into the US Air Force Academy. I realized it wasn’t for me and came home completely lost for a plan for college. I’ve decided to attend a community college in my town (two miles from my house) for two years and then transferring to South Dakota School of Mines to finish my (Mechanical Engineering) degree. What I am struggling with is deciding whether or not dorm-life is for me. It’s $7200 whereas I could live at home for free.

2

Dorm life at most CCs isn’t really comparable what you’d experience at a residential 4 year school.

As long as there’s not a bunch of friction at home, I’d save the money.

3

If you’re two miles away, you basically have access to all the benefits of dorm life even from your house. Definitely live at home!

4

I would just commute to school if it’s only 2 miles away.

5

Two miles is so close! Most community colleges I know are primarily commuter, but yours might be different. I commute to a public university, and sometimes it’s hard to connect with people, but joining clubs/interest groups can help with meeting people. I like saving the money and I prefer my room and a bathroom to myself versus a shared room and community bathroom. Ick - no thanks. But that’s personal preference! :slight_smile: But yeah, your commute sounds very convenient. You could basically just hop over to campus whenever, which is nice.

6

Community college dorming prob isn’t the same as dorming at a 4-year school. Not worth the price, really. 2-miles? You’re already living at dorm-like distance lol

7

I would recommend commuting if:

  1. It is super close to your home.

  2. Isn’t a traditional 4yr dorm experience.

  3. You save money- which is a big component of many CC-er’s choice in going to a CC.

Also, if you’re just two miles away, just commute. You’re basically next door to it. Heck, I lived 2 miles away from my campus in undergrad dorms, it’s not that far a distance to justify the extra expense.

8

I’d stay at home. Paying an extra 7 grand for a dorm isn’t worth the cost, especially if you live within 2 miles of the school.

I live 14 miles from my CC, and I spend about $800 a year in gas. That’s a lot less money than a dorm room would cost.