What would you prefer? Living in the dorms or commuting from off-campus to get to class?
3 Pros of living in the dorms:
1) Higher probability of meeting people your own age who share the same interests as you/ making more friends
2) Waking up for class minutes before it starts because you're so close to whatever classroom you need to go to
3) Creating your own personal space without your parents hovering around you all the time
3 Cons of living in the dorms
1) Added cost to your college tuition
2) Little or no privacy unless you get a single bedroom to yourself
3) The cafeteria food tastes gross to you after the first week of moving in
3 Pros of Commuting:
1) Cheaper
2) Home-cooked meals
3) Peace and quiet when you need it
3 Cons of Commuting:
1) Becoming detached from whatever is happening on campus when you're not there
2) Unavoidable traffic on the highways
3) Harder to make friends on campus and keeping in contact with them
Personally, I'd rather live in the dorms during the first couple years of being at college. The chance to make so many connections with people just like me wouldn't be possible anywhere else at this point in my life. The added cost for housing and coping with the cafeteria food almost everyday constitute to a price that I'm more than willing to pay.
I'm going to be in a completely different state next year, far far away from anyone that I know besides one person who's going to be going to a totally different school than I am. In my case, living in a dorm is the cheaper alternative to a nice apartment in New York City. I think as a freshman, you're more likely to enjoy the dorm just because it won't be such a culture shock, at least in my case in August. The good thing about some dorms now is that you aren't required to get a meal plan, like at my school next year the dorms just for freshman are an old apartment building that's been renovated with a completely furnished kitchen.
I think, at least for me, a dorm is the better choice starting out.
If you're going to be living at home with your parents and not going far, I don't see a problem in being a commuter. But if it was up to me, I'd ultimately want to be in a dorm to get the full feel of college-life
I liked your blog, though. And agree with your pros/cons of the two options
=]
I will be living in the dorms of my school starting in Aug. when I move in.
Why I'm Living in a dorm!
1) The school is too far to drive to daily without having to sell body parts to pay for gas. (It's about an hr away, but with gas costs, I'd be selling my liver or something)
2) It's all highways from here to there, and that's no good. I'm sure it raises the possibility of my getting into a crash! Plus it's in Pittsburgh, a major city!
3) There are no parking garages made for the college! I'd pay 12 bucks a day! PLUS gas.
4) I'd miss out on a lot of stuff, and this number includes all of your other reasons as well.
a tough question for anyone going to college. There are many pros and cons to both sides. Much more than three although those are good points. It depends greatly on the type of person too. Outgoing people will usually choose a dorm while nervous or those who aren't exactly socially adept might choose to commute. Good blog topic. There is no right or wrong answer though.
It kind of depends on the college you go to. If it's close by your house, it's better to commute. If it's far away, it's better to live in the dorms. I live at home, but several friends of mine don't like the dorms that much. Too many people party at late night, there's no privacy, no good places to eat, pay extra for parking (pay $80 more for security cameras when stuff gets stolen out of your car, they give you the tape and that's it). There is the possibilty of high crime there too. Whatever works for you, it's your life. Have to make some choices sooner or later.
I can't wait to start college at the end of this year, and I am definately going to live there!!!
I think dorms should be mandatory for freshman. It's part of the college experience!
Most schools it is, with the exception of commuters. If a student wants to go to a school that is near their home, they should have the option of commuting. However, I went away specifically, despite being within walking distance of a major university, because I felt that personal space and experiencing college away from my family and the comforts of home was as important as the degree I will be receiving.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711