College location: An Important (but usually overlooked) Factor

Your College location makes all the difference between a great college life experience and an average one. It may also represent many different things such as convenience, reduced costs, better social life etc. I will discuss these factors one by one. Read on and see which factors are more important to you.

Advantages of living at home

In most cases, the closer your school is to your home, the less money you will spend. Some of the obvious things you can save on are your rent, food, and gas expenses because your parents will most likely not charge you for rent and food and you won't have to drive far to go to school everyday. The extra time that you are not spending cooking and driving may translate to more time when it comes to studying.

Besides the extra time and reduced expenses, you may also want to consider your family's proximity. Some students may be reluctant to move too far away from home especially if they have a close relationship with their family. If this situation applies to you but you're really considering moving, you may want to consider going to a university that is not too far so that you can go home whenever you wish.

Disadvantages of living at home

There is always a trade-off for any choice you make. If you do decide to live at home, keep in mind that your parents may ask you to help out around the house since they are paying for most of your expenses.

Photo by UBC Library Graphics

Thus, the extra time you're not using to take care of yourself and your own place may be used to take care of family responsibilities. In addition, if you have a big family, studying at home may prove to be difficult since you might get distracted by your siblings etc. If this happens, you may want to designate your school/local library or coffee house as your study place but they may not be open on during your study time.

Advantages of living away from home

Isn't it every students dream to be independent? For most students, moving away from home may mean more freedom to do the things they want. For example, your social life can take on a new level since you can go to parties and go home at any time you wish (some college dorms may have curfews). However, this reason should not be the first things on your list to consider when choosing a college. This should be only a secondary priority when compared to factors like cost and family support.

If you think that you are ready and responsible enough to move far from home then, take a chance. From experience, I enjoyed my freedom while I was living away from home because I can set my own schedule as to when I want to study, party, and do household chores. Remember, responsibility for your well-being also comes with freedom.

Disadvantages of living away from home

Independence can be great as long as you know your limitations. Living away from home for the first time can be very liberating but there responsibilities associated with it. For example, you will have to make your own meals and do the laundry. However, food may not be an issue if you live in the dorms since your fees usually pay for the food there. As a result, your overall cost of attendance goes up.

Photo by UBC Library Graphics

Consider your family's support as well if you're thinking of moving for college. For example, keep in mind that if you move to an entirely new place where you don't know anyone, the first few months away from your family may be tough. Even though this is the case, you will feel better with time as you get used to your new lifestyle. Also, there are difficult times during the school year wherein you have exams and deadlines. This can be a great time to seek your family's support but if they live far from you, they may not be able to give you the emotional and technical assistance you may need besides an advice through a phone call.

What was the most important factor you considered when you were thinking of your school's location? Share your story at the e-collegehelp blog. You may be able to help out other students who haven't made up their mind yet. Helping is a great thing!

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