<p>Last year I had the best of both worlds when it came to college. I stayed home and commuted my first semester and in the Spring I packed my bags and went out of state. </p>
<p>Now I'm planning on staying home for my second year. I like living at home, is that weird? I like my room, I like my city, I like having a car. I feel more in control of myself and independent here. Living in the dorms was fun, but I felt trapped on campus a lot of the time. Does it take away from the college experience to want to spend it at home? </p>
<p>I'm still going to be involved in campus life, greek life, clubs, etc. I just like being able to be with my family and be in a familiar place. So, is it weird? Am I missing out? Am I destined to live with my parents forever? Or should I enjoy my last years here before I really go off on my own?</p>
<p>Live at home; that is money that is not being spent on room and board. Who cares if it’s weird; it is not our job to placate the sensibilities of others (for free, at least).</p>
<p>Since we aren’t you, we cant decide.
Though that being said, where are your second thoughts coming from? Are they simply shaped from the experiences you see from others or is there some other aspects to it? Though also remember that is what is important in terms of memories is having the experiences you wanted to have. Does that alter where is a better place to live?</p>
<p>At ODU, the average cost of a dorm is about $700/mo. I would conjecture that this number is around average as it is a state school with an average cost of attendance. 9 months would be $5’400. Ask yourself: what experience that cannot be obtained by commuting is worth $5’400? Unless the dorms at the school in question are comparable to the Four Seasons with complimentary limo service, I think any reasonable person can answer that question in the negative.</p>
<p>Look, it’s your college experience, and if living at home feels right to you, then go for it. I was a commuter and felt like a stepchild, but that’s my experience. You did mention that you are Greek, so was I and that is what made college for me. As long as you stay connected, you can make commuting work for you. Best of luck in whatever you decide!</p>
<p>“The college experience” is just a marketing term for colleges. Yes, some people like being in college a lot; others don’t. Do what you feel like doing.</p>
<p>That said, colleges sometimes provide a necessary transition between your teenage years and adulthood. But, if you’re already a pretty independent person, you should be fine.</p>
<p>Personally, I can’t concentrate at home. There are just too many distractions for me there. But if you’re capable of productivity on school work at home, more power to you. It sounds like you’re doing a pretty good job of staying involved on campus too, so no worries there.</p>
<p>You have to decide what is right for you. Dorm living is not for everyone and neither is commuting. Sounds like you enjoy living at home and have had the dorm experience so you can make an informed decision. Good luck</p>
<p>yea Herunar has a great point as some people take independence better and some people struggle but college is a great way to learn about how the world works and multi-tasking with life issues</p>
<p>Can’t you have a car on campus now that it’s your second yr, or get an apartment? If you get an apartment then you wouldn’t feel trapped on campus and stuck in a small dorm room. The reason i want to push towards moving out of your parent’s house is because it seems like you like the comfort of them being around and maybe having them take care of everything for you and there’s nothing wrong with that but eventually you will have to move out of their house. It’s better to get use to being away from them now and being in a different place rather than later. If the OOS school is too far then maybe try applying to a really good school in your state so it’ll be far enough so you don’t have to live at home but close enough to come back and visit when ever you want.</p>
<p>There is only one major difference cost. It would be best to save the costs if possible and use that money after you graduate, when you need it most.</p>