I am considering going to DePaul University which is about 20 minutes away from my house. Obviously it makes sense to commute because it would be like an extra 15k and would save us so much money. However, I’ve always dreamed of living on campus. I think that I would feel so much more included in the college experience living in a dorm. I know that it’s not necessary to be happy or to be in clubs and all that jazz, but I think it’s really the right decision for me. But I really want to be responsible and do what’s best for me and my family, including financially.
My parents support me dorming, but I almost feel stupid doing it because it’s so close to my house. However, it is in a completely separate neighborhood that’s a lot more urban which is what I enjoy and plan to live in when I graduate, so it would be great to live there and see how it compares to the neighborhood I live in now.
I would just love some advice or thoughts on my conflict.
If it’s not too much of a financial hardship, I’d recommend dorm freshman year to help you acclimate and make friends. You could always commute later years (when more students may live off campus anyway). I say this as long as you plan to actually stay on campus. My son’s roommate lives 15 minutes from campus, but stays on campus almost every weekend. My neighbor’s son, on the other hand, boards at a school 20 minutes away and is home every Friday and goes back every Sunday. Total waste of money in my opinion.
@leafconeybearismart, I am a professor at OSU. We have a mandatory 2 year on campus rule. But those that live within 25 miles may commute. I tell my commuter students … if you can afford on campus for at least one year, then do it. The first year will be the transition year and being a hop skip and a jump away from classes will be beneficial for convenience, acclimation, and study time (if you are taking a science or math the first year, you will fully understand the need for study time). After the first year, then you could return home or possibly become an RA and get free room and board. Now, if $15 is going to push the money over the edge so you cannot attend college, then live at home and be very proactive with your studies and get involved with campus activites.