College isn’t cheap, and there’s one thing in particular that makes up a significant chunk of the cost: housing. Whether you’re in a campus dormitory or an off-campus apartment, those living expenses can add up fast! Living with your parents? Now that’s a different story. It’s often free! Still not sure if living at home during college is the best plan for you? We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Living at Home During College
If you’re considering living at home and attending college close by, you’re not alone! In fact, reports from Sallie Mae show that about half (54%) of college students have chosen to live at home over the past several years.
Besides the obvious benefit of saving money on living expenses, there are some serious advantages to living with your parents while you’re in college:
1. You’ll enjoy more peace and quiet.
In a dorm, it’s easy to get distracted by your rowdy neighbors or your roommate’s friends when you’re trying to study. If you live at home, you’ll have familiar spaces that you can use to sleep or study, which will make you more productive.
2. You already know who you’ll live with.
While everyone else is searching for the perfect roommate, you’ll rest easy knowing that your roommates (AKA, your family!) are people you already know and love. You won’t have to get used to a new person’s annoying habits!
3. You’ll have a built-in support system.
Let’s face it: college can get tough. During the stressful times, your family will be right there to support and encourage you. They can also pitch in with responsibilities at home when you’re in need of a helping hand.
4. You’ll have the familiar comforts of home.
Community dorm bathrooms? No thanks. Bunk beds? Not your favorite idea. If you live with your parents, you’ll have all the comforts of home to come back to every night: your own bed, a clean (private!) bathroom, and a kitchen and laundry room you don’t have to share with 75 other people.
Cons of Living with Your Parents During College
Not sure if living at home during college is a good idea for you? It’s important to weigh the good and the not-so-good parts before you make your final decision. Here are some downsides to living at home during college to consider:
1. Connecting with fellow students might be difficult.
When you live in a dorm, there’s an undeniable sense of community. You see many of the same people every day, and it’s easy to build friendships with them (especially if they live just one room over!). Living at home doesn’t make community and friendship impossible, but it could make it more difficult if you’re not around for late night study sessions or snack runs with those who live on campus.
2. You’ll spend more time in the car.
Depending on how close you live to your school, you could spend a significant portion of your day driving to campus, looking for a parking spot once you get there, and sitting in traffic to get home at the end of the day. Living in a dorm would likely mean you could quickly bike or walk to class.
3. You may not get the freedom you want.
Some college students don’t mind staying closely connected with their parents and families while they’re in school. If that’s you, great! But if you need space and a bit more independence, living at home during college may not be the right choice.
4. Chores AND homework? Yuck!
Your parents will probably require a lot of hard work from you in return for living rent-free. Don’t be surprised to find yourself cleaning your room every day along with most of the house. When you want to go out with friends or study for a big test, this can be particularly inconvenient and annoying.
Is Living at Home During College Right for You?
Even if you choose not to live with your parents during college, you have plenty of options! Living in an off-campus apartment could save you money over living in a dorm, while still giving you the advantage of living close to campus.
Check out ApartmentSearch.com to find the best off-campus apartments for your budget. Then furnish your entire apartment with new furniture and décor from CORT furniture rental. Wherever you choose to live, ApartmentSearch and CORT can help you find and create the perfect college crash pad!
