<p>Hey guys--</p>
<p>Kind of have a dilemma with the whole dorming vs. commuting issue. I don't think my rents really want me to dorm, but I kind of want to because I think it will be better not just socially, but also academically because you don't get that academic atmosphere at home. I live about a 15-20 minute drive from Northwestern and I didn't get any financial aid so I'd have to pay the 10,000+ to dorm. Any suggestions on what to do? Commute or Dorm?</p>
<p>can your parents afford it? if they can then you should dorm. It'll be much better socially as hallmates / roomates = friends for life :)</p>
<p>Yeah...if your parents have tons of cash to spare, then go for it. But seriously...15-20 mins from home is not much at all... Yeah, you'll miss out on all the fun dorm stuff, but I think home would be a better "academic atmosphere"...living in the dorm makes you want to have fun all the time, someone's always doing something fun.</p>
<p>Personally, if I couldn't dorm at college next fall (class of 2010), then I would have just decided to go to a community college. There is no difference. The point of going to a university is 50% academics and 50% social, I believe. There is a careful balance, but living on campus is just part of the experience! Just think, everyone is excited for move in day and the hustle and bustle of packing and getting everything ready for college.... and you are at home playing video games eating mac and cheese mommy prepared for you.</p>
<p>And as a qualifier to alll that, only if you can afford it of course.</p>
<p>ummm .. are you comparing the education at Northwestern University to that at a community college? that's just wrong ..</p>
<p>anyway, i think the responsible thing to do is live at home, but if you're spoiled or your parents are just ridiculously well off, then by all means live on campus. just remember, you can always make friends and hang out in their rooms til late (assuming you have no curfew).</p>
<p>I suggest you ask this on the Northwestern Board. </p>
<p>For example, you'll want to understand how well commuting students are integrated into the social community there. I think you will find that you are very much in the minority at NU if you commute. But maybe there are groups to support commuters?</p>
<p>Perhaps you could spend your freshman year in the dorm?</p>
<p>i live right by northwestern (10-15 min) and if i was going there i would deff live in the dorm, it is one of the nicest campus' around. You gotta decide if it is really worth 10,000 to u and ur family</p>
<p>I was talking about MY own personal experience...</p>