<p>I live in MD, about 30 min from the university, and UMD gave me about $10k in money i wouldn't have to pay back. My total aid was about $20k with loans and everything. The 10k basically covers all i would need to be a commuter to the school. But I have been dreaming about living on campus and getting the full college experience for over 5 yrs. So if you guys were in my shoes, what would you do? Take the loans and live the dream or stay at home for at least the first yr and financially better?</p>
<p>ps. After college im probably going to go to medical school. so keep that in mind</p>
<p>I think it’s a great question that you’re asking. Obviously financially speaking, living at home makes a lot of sense. More so even because you plan on going to medical school. However, I think college should be looked at as more than just a degree and more than just money. I believe it to be an experience. It’s where most people really truly grow up and experience things that just aren’t possible while living at home with their parents. Many people consider it to be the best 4 years of their lives. It’s a tough call and one that only you can make. Best of luck to you! </p>
<p>I think if you can swing it, and can handle going back home, a year in the dorms will give you a great opportunity to get to know more kids in your class. At many colleges, kids go off campus, in apartment type, suite type living arrangements and it’s not the same communal setting as that first year in the freshman dorms, so really, commuting then may not be such a big deal, though it will be tough going back home. But this way, you CAN save that money for medical school. But you get a taste of the dorm living and giving your self the full opportunity to meet others living there. </p>
<p>I recommend reading Zac Bissonnette’s “Debt-Free U” before making this decision. I think you’ll regret racking up debt in order to have “the college experience” – especially if you’re planning on medical school.</p>
<p>I like the idea of a year in the dorms. Plus, could you consider being an RA for future years? That would cut the cost. Good luck</p>
<p>You don’t have to decide this question now, but do live on campus the first year. That way you’ll form the most important friendships and then you can decide if living at home is something you can do for the remaining three years and whether or not college living is all that. You might not go to med school; most pre-meds don’t graduate as pre-meds, and this too could obviate the question about debt.</p>
<p>agree with Keil 100%. Read our lips. “LIVE ON CAMPUS”. Just do it. If you simply cannot make it work in your situation…that’s ok. But if there is any way feasible, and yes I mean including taking on a bit of debt if it makes sense…then give yourself the experience of at least one year on campus. </p>
<p>thanks you guys. Im going to get the book soon. The author mentioned using a monthly payment plan to help pay for the school better and I think by working for at least the summer, I can make the payments doable. of course i would have help from my parents, but hopefully i can convince them. I really believe that freshmen year is like the most important year to live on campus so i hope this plan works</p>
<p>I like 1214mom’s rec, too. Check with the AO about what percentage of room and board the RAs get. It also could be invaluable experience and great evidence of your people skills for the med schools.</p>
<p>@jkeil911 yea im really considering that option. While I’ll probably end up applyign to be a RA, I was kind of ‘put off’ by the fact that the RAs like always have to be in their room and that they can’t/ or are unable to participate in certain clubs and activities because they are required to be in the dorms so much. but oh well</p>
<p>I’d talk to the RAs about what it’s like to be an RA. </p>
<p>fyi best doctors are socially adept…my cousin was in fiji and extremely social, did extremely well and is now finishing up residency. all about balance.</p>