I lived in my own apartment. I had zero desire to have the on campus experience, and retrospectively, it was entirely the right decision for me. The idea of res still sounds terrible.
I could not live at home as there are no universities in the boonies. If DS attends school here, he can live where he wants.
Post by heyrebekah on Sept 27, 2012 14:20:46 GMT -5
I think it is pretty important to live on campus freshman year. At least for "traditional" college students. Even if it is in the same city, if they don't live on campus I think it's preferable to get an apartment with some roommates versus staying at home. They need to break away and feel like adults in college -- living at home can make it just an extension of HS.
My parents fought a bit about this when I was in high school. In my dad's family/culture (he is from South America) it is rather unheard of for young unmarried people to move out if they don't have to. I went to college just a few minutes from where I grew up, and he assumed I would live at home (as did our extended family). He lived at home all throughout college until he got married.
My mom felt very strongly that I should NOT live at home, that I needed to leave the nest and be on my own.
It was ultimately up to me, and I decided to live on campus without a second thought. If we ever have kids, I would encourage them to do the same. Being independent and raising independent children is very, very important to me.
Post by phunluvin82 on Sept 27, 2012 14:23:09 GMT -5
I LOVED living on campus...couldn't freaking wait for my parents to drop me off so I could be 'on my own'! But, I was emotionally ready for that step, and I lucked out with a good roommate...and with parents who were able to foot the bill for that so I wouldn't have loans for living expenses. So I can see where it's not for every person/every budget.
Campus. My dad commuted to college and he was VERY clear that when I went to college- I would be going to a school far enough away that I HAD to live there! At the time, I was like "eh, whatevs", but now- I REALLY appreciate it. It is a totally different experience. And I appreciate that HE realizes what he missed out on.
Important. The first year is such a cool, growing experience. Also it was cheaper for my broke ass that didn't have a car. Do most kids bring a car to college nowadays?
Post by penguingrrl on Sept 27, 2012 14:26:52 GMT -5
I think if it's financially possible it's a great experience. I hope my kids are able to live on campus so they can have a regular college experience (out all night drinking or studying) without my having to know and be worried.
But if my kids seem to lack the maturity to handle that without it becoming a disaster of partying and poor grades we'll rethink them starting college at all. Either they'll go to community (we have a great community college in our area) or they'll take time off and return if/when they're ready.
Important. The first year is such a cool, growing experience. Also it was cheaper for my broke ass that didn't have a car. Do most kids bring a car to college nowadays?
I don't know about nowadays...but I remember when I went that a lot of schools didn't allow on-campus freshmen to bring a car. It was seen as more of an upper classmen privelege type of thing (and I think, in some cases, was also dictated by a lack of parking spaces).
I remember this b/c people with cars on campus were automatically in demand as friends...like, "OMG, who's going to drive me and my fake ID to the liquor store?!?"
On campus for at least the first year. You have such a different experience. Think of all the late night study sessions. I don't ever remember our commuter students being a part of those. And they missed out on all of the late night socializing too. Most of my best college friendships were made during that first year.
Post by keweenawlove on Sept 27, 2012 14:30:31 GMT -5
On campus for sure. I went to school 20 minutes from my parents' house and still lived on campus. A lot of people I graduated high school with lived at home and never got involved with anything. They just went to class and went home.
On campus. My college didn't allow students to live at home unless that home was 4 miles within the school's area.
H went to the same school his dad taught at. ILs did not permit any of their five children that attended the school to live at home. Most live in apartments with friends off-campus after the second year.