HELP: Should I dorm or commute???

College Confidential Community
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Hi everyone! I’m currently a senior and I was wondering if I can have some advice for a little dilemma I’m facing.

I’ve applied either rolling or EA for all my schools and I have heard back from a majority of them, especially the main two I will most likely attend. One school is three hours away from my hometown so I would need to dorm, and the other school is a 15 minute drive from my house. Both schools have the same tuition and are both relatively inexpensive.

My parents want me to stay home and goto the college that is closer, however I feel as though there is more value to dorming. Personally, I prefer the school that is farther away because of the academics, the school community, and the campus but at the same time I am a little scared that I will hate dorm life and the cold weather. Also, I am scared that if I do end up hating dorm life I will transfer back to the commuter school, and risk losing the scholarship they have offered me.

I was just wondering what are some pros and cons about dorming and staying home. Also for those in college right now what is your view point is in regards to commuting or dorming? For example, do you regret not dorming or are you perfectly content with commuting and why? I know I am asking a lot of questions right now, but I am just a bit confused as to what I should do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I’m also new to College Confidential so I’m not 100% sure if I am posting this on the correct thread so I apologize in advance.

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Hey! Welcome to CC! This is a fine place for this - the college life forum is probably the best fit, and if an admin sees this they may move it there for ya!

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/

Why do you think you will hate dorm life? A lot of people have the opposite worry in your situation, or sometimes are strongly against staying at home. Only you can tell us what you see as pros and cons for each.

Personally, if it’s affordable and there aren’t extenuating family circumstances or mental health worries, I always recommend going away for college. It allows you to grow your independence and learn about yourself. The college community is a good part of it too, but it can vary. A lot of people have this idea that college life is amazing and all sunshine and rainbows, and that simply isn’t true. Come in with realistic expectations, and you should be just fine.

All that said, again, only you can tell us why you are concerned. Depending on those concerns, it may be better to stay home and commute. So let us know!

Congrats on getting into the schools in the first place! Take a deep breath and celebrate that if you haven’t :slight_smile: