Should I dorm?

College Life
1

I received scholarships that covers tuition and fees so I don’t have to worry about that.

I am going to cal state Fullerton in the fall and I really want to live in the dorms. It is more of a commuter campus but they do have some dorms on the campus students live in. The only thing is it is expensive and I would have to take loans. Without my job and my savings I would still have about $5,000 left to pay which I would have to take out in loans. My financial aid said I should receive about the same amount of loans, but I am not sure if i want to go in debt my first year.

My other option is to live at home- I live about 15-20 minutes from campus but I do not have my own car yet. I would have to buy a used car, but with my job and savings I would have no loans and a little extra in my savings account.

I know that I would rather dorm even if it means I would not have a car because I do not like living at home with my parents- we fight a lot and I already don’t have my own room or privacy so having a roommate wouldn’t bother me. My parents aren’t strict, but they can smother me at times and I really want to become more independent, I feel like if I don’t move out now I won’t for another five years and that’s not what I want.

I either have to buy a car or dorm. If I dorm I’ll have to take out loans, but my sophomore year I’m going to try to be a resident advisor and then I would get my housing paid for and I could start paying off my loans with the money from my job. However, buying a car will be more of an investment because I could probably get use out of it for five years where housing is just for that year.

There are pros and cons to both sides, I’m just not sure which to choose. I have been applying for lots of private scholarships, but I don’t want to bank on any of them. I know I’d be happier at the dorms without my parents but I’d have to save all of my money and not spend any of it on food, clothes,etc-I’d have to save every penny.

If anyone could provide advice, I’d really appreciate it. I should fill out the housing application by next week to get priority registration. Thank you.

2

What is your major? Is it something that positions you well to pay off your federal loans?

3

This is a difficult question with not one clear right answer. Some other questions to consider: With a used car could you potentially spend more time on campus, let’s say being involved with student organizations or in the library so you could spend less time at home? Is there a requirement at your school to have lived on campus housing before becoming a resident assistant? Can you get a part-time job on campus or off campus?

4

I plan to major in engineering so I would think so.

5

I always back away from choices that involve taking out loans, but in this situation, it sounds like it’s really up to you. Living on campus definitely provides a certain experience and more independence, which sounds like something you want. But having a car is also a great option, because then you still have the freedom to come and go as you please. And if most students are commuters, then you won’t necessarily be missing out on any kind of particular experience by not living on campus.

6

Dorming would allow you to get the full college experience. If you do dorm, try getting a job on campus to offset the costs.