Living at school or at home?

<p>Currently I'm a freshman in college. I live in Boston and go to a private catholic college about a half hour away. I got into all of the cheaper state schools I applied to but because I got into the one I'm attending now & it's better than all the other ones I got into, my mom really wanted me to be able to go here, even though it is WAY out of our price range.</p>

<p>I am living here, but thinking of moving home second semester. First of all, it would save money. Second of all, I just really don't like dorming. I have been home every weekend and yes I have still managed to make friends. I am just not comfortable living here and would just be much happier living at home or in an apartment (which is out of the question right now). My mom has taken out the loans for me to go here, and I know if she has to do this for all 4 years she will be in a lot of debt probably for the rest of her life. She really wanted me to get the full college experience, since she wasn't able to do that. I appreciate all she's doing for me but when it's an extra $15,000 a year to live on campus, which I don't even like doing, I just don't think it's worth it. I may try to transfer after this year depending on how well the rest of the year goes but as for next semester I really want to move home and wanted to get some advice on what you would do in my position. </p>

<p>My mom doesn't want me to move home. I think she thinks the only reason I want to move home is because of my boyfriend, who is still in high school. That's false, because he pushed me to live at school and do what I wanted. I've been seeing him every weekend anyways, so it's a lot more than that. It just isn't for me. I am not a partier or a drinker, so I think that may have something to do with it. If I move home I'll have to get a job and try to pay my own car insurance. I was awarded a work study in my financial aid package but have not been hired anywhere on campus. My school also doesn't have a lot of commuters. I don't know the exact numbers but I know most people live here. </p>

<p>With all that said, I just wanted to get advice on what I should do. The school is very expensive so saving money is ideal. They also don't give out a lot of financial aid so I doubt I'd get more next year... I could transfer to a state school later but my mom also doesn't want me to do that because she wants me to be able to go to a really good school. (I know there are plenty of good state schools, we just never thought I'd get into the school I'm now attending) My dad isn't paying for my tuition, as my parents aren't together. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>I hate to say to live at home but… well, if the school’s way out of your price range, and you don’t think you’d mind living at home, save your mom money wherever you can. Just make sure to move out soon after you finish school; you do <em>not</em> want to be That Girl (guy?) who lives with their parents forever.</p>

<p>Since the school is out of your price range, you should move home and commute.</p>

<p>How ARE you paying for this college that is too expensive for you?</p>

<p>Re: the boyfriend…you’re just going to have to make some kind of HONORABLE committment to your mom that you will limit the time spent with your BF.</p>

<p>Your mom needs to sit down and read through the section titled “voices” at [Project</a> on Student Debt: Home](<a href=“http://www.projectonstudentdebt.org%5DProject”>http://www.projectonstudentdebt.org) While it is easy to sympathize with her desire to help you attend the “best” institution that you were admitted to, the truth is that she is making an emotional purchase that will destabilize the financial futures of both of you. If you are unable to help her get straight about the money, you may find that you have to take on the adult role in this situation, and make all of the changes yourself.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best as you face these challenges.</p>