Staying home for college vs. going away

[tashamjoy]

What do you guys think living at home or on your own at school? I am going on my third year living at home with my mom and i am thinking about the year after if i should go away or stay at home i would have my associates so it could be a chance to go away but i am not much for being alone and would only really like that if i went with someone like a close friend i dont know living at home is definetly easier and cheaper then on your own making our own food and maintaining an apartment or whatever but it is also a learning experience what do you guys think?

[ktheodos]

I think you learn a lot being on your own.....go far enough away that you can't go home all the time, but could when needed....

[masked_brown_guy]

if you are more restricted by staying home then go away. other than that there really isn't much of a difference.

[dreamyxo]

Stay home and save the money you'll have the rest of your life to leave home and be independent.

[cloudsoup]

if you have the option to stay home and
still go for the degree you want, then do it.
there are so many extra expenses when you
live on your own -- the smartest and most
economical way is to stay home, and once
you have your degree, seek a good job away
from home that will allow you to pay for those
extra expenses all on your own 

i moved away for college, but i wish i could
have found the type of school i wanted to
attend closer to home.

[davidf938]

I think the decision should depend on the location of the best school for your needs.

[bjohnson16]

I believe that a lot depends on the school that you want to go to.  Also you have to think about the cost and also if you are adding expenses to your education are you going to have to get loans to pay the difference because you don't want to have to pay anymore then you have to.  I know that I did both.  But you have to also have to do what you think is best for you.

[wiersmak]

Id stay at home.  The economy isnt the greatest and why burden yourself with more loans?  Save youre money, you've got lots of time to be independant later and the money you've saved by not paying for room and board will come in handy later.

[Annella]

It depends on what your major is and what type of degree you are going for. Some educational studies can only be offered at schools in a more metropolitan area. If you have the opportunity for getting the education you want locally and can still live at home, then that's a plus. However, parents can put a crimp in your social life if you go that route so be cautioned. Sometimes parents have a hard time realizing that their kids are not kids anymore. Living on your own also teaches you things that living at home shelters you from. There's nothing wrong with living at home while furthering your education, just so long as your still not there when your 30.

[diala84]

Financially living on your own is expensive. I lived in a quad and in a couple of places with roommates. I think it is a good experience to have but also expensive. A quad is nice since you get your own room and sometimes your own bathroom and entry. You then share a kitchen with your quad mates. Quads are a good option if you don't know anyone who wants to get an apartment with you since they assign you a room and quad mates.   It is cheaper than getting your own apartment and similarly priced to splitting the rent of an apartment with a roommate.

When I was in school I worked 20+ hours a week at minimum wage on campus so I could afford to live in these places. The budget was really tight and it helped that I had a food job so I could eat a lot at work and not spend as much on food. I think working while in college will help you later on when looking for your first job out of college so I would suggest finding a job or volunteer position even if it is just 5 hours a week. That will show employers you have some experience outside of the classroom.

As for staying home vs. going away it is your choice. There are pros and cons to each option and you will have to decide which is best for you.   

[sommap]

What with going away to college so expensive that you have student loans to pay back for years, straying at home has a lot of advantages.  The experience of living away from home is great, but you could also do that after you get a job. 

[thuyduong]

i stayed near home but when i go to graduate school then i might have to go away. If you can find one near then stay if not then you need to do what you must to do