Hi guys. Pitt is my first choice just waiting on financial aid at this point. But I was wondering what are your opinions on dorm life? I’d be four hours away from home and my parents keep trying to deter me by saying I won’t be able to handle living in a dorm away from them. Just wanted to hear some pros and cons. I know a lot of it is an individual thing but still looking forward to what everyone has to say.
Four hours away and your parents want you to commute? Am I reading this right?
Noo no they don’t want me to commute. They are trying to keep me at home overall and one of their main points is that I won’t be able to handle a dorm life. Sorry for the misunderstanding haha
Most people move away from their parents at some point, and do just fine. Are there some unusual circumstances where you would not do well away from them? Is it possible they are concerned about the cost of living in a dorm, food etc and want you to choose a less costly alternative (assuming you can go to a local college or university)?
Honestly I’m perfectly fine with going away. I have no problem. It’s my parents who want me to stay at home. It’s not cost either my local university would cost the same as Pitt in the end.
@mannysidz What is it that you want? If your options are truly open, then you have to consider which environment (home or dorm) would help you grow the most. Most students that go away to college have never been away from home for months at a time, and it is an adjustment, but that’s normal and a part of learning to be an adult. The good thing is that there will definitely be other freshmen going through the same thing so you will not be alone.
Honestly I think I would learn and grow from being in a dorm more than staying at home. My dad keeps posing the argument that I’m going to get married some day and move out anyways so why do it so early. To make it more clear, my parents didn’t go to school in this system, so he doesn’t get the point of going somewhere else for school.
It sounds like they will miss you and may be struggling with the idea of letting you go. It’s understandable, especially if you are the first one to go away to college and they did not have similar experiences.
As long as they are truly letting you be the one to make the decision, then do what is best for you. In the meantime, they can probably use reassurance from you that you will be back for breaks and can visit once in awhile. Four hours is not that far to come home for a weekend.