Pros and Cons of living on campus or commuting?

Student Lounge College Life
1

Pros of living on campus:

  • Independence
  • Freedom
  • Social life

Cons of commuting:

  • Gas money
  • Long commutes
  • Running late for class (traffic)

You’ll obviously save money by commuting if you live closer to campus (30 minutes or less), but I heard of people still living on campus due to certain situations, no matter how far away they live.

2

I wouldn’t consider gas money a con of commuting, as it’s usually far less expensive than what you’d pay for room and board.

I would also add that making friends and finding a “circle” can be more difficult as a commuter. You’re not in the dorms (where many meet their friends) and unless you just “hang out” on campus after classes, you won’t have as many opportunities to mingle with other students.

3

Also having mentors, study groups, and attending campus events might be easier if you live on campus.

4

At a mainly residential school, living there tends to be advantageous if it does not cause affordability problems.

But that may not be so at a mainly commuter school.

5

I’ve lived on campus and commuted. There are pros and cons to both. Which is better depends on the student and the situation.

Pros of living on campus:

  • Independence and freedom (can be a con if the student isn’t ready for it)
  • Social life (can be spontaneous)

Cons of living on campus:

  • Cost may limit other opportunities
  • Cramped living space
  • Roommates who may not be compatible
  • May require a paying job to help cover expenses
  • Food is usually limited to what’s available on or near campus

Pros of commuting:

  • Money saved on R&B can be used for travel
  • Lower cost can reduce or eliminate need for student to work until they want to or they find a job they enjoy
  • Independence and freedom (Commuters have cars from freshman year on. Residential students aren’t always permitted to have one.)
  • Social life extends beyond college
  • The kitchen is always open and students eat what they want

Cons of commuting:

  • Gas money (still cheaper than room & board)
  • Long commutes (this isn’t true for everyone)
  • Running late for class (Being late due to traffic may happen occasionally if there aren’t alternate routes, but students who live on the campus where I work also tend to run late for class.)
  • Unless students have been driving for awhile, it can take time to get used to traveling in the dark and in all kinds of weather.
  • The kitchen is always open and students eat what they want
6

@austinmshauri I saw what you did there:

“The kitchen is always open and students eat what they want.”

I’m assuming that their choices may be good or bad depending on what they choose to eat.

7

I lived on campus for 2 years, and commuted for 2. I can’t think of any “pro” to mention about commuting, at least in my case.

8

My friend’s daughter found the perfect college-- 5 minutes from home. But she desperately wants to go away to school, to experience the independence that brings, and to feel like more of a part of the college community.

So this year, she’ll board. We’ll see what next year brings.

9

Sometimes the experience of being outside of our comfort zone outweighs the convenience or cost-savings of the easy and familiar. If you can swing on-campus living (if only for a year or two), I would do it.

10

OP is a rising college junior. He already lives on campus.

Some people like living on campus, but others don’t. We gave the option to both our kids. Our son has no interest in living in a dorm. Our daughter is considering it.