LIVING AT HOME VERSUS LIVING ON CAMPUS

 Written by Ade Adeola Solomon

It's very excruciating that some students love living on campus because of freedom to do things than living at home. It's only the minority that love living on campus to gain opportunities, learn new ideas and skills in order to function well in their society.

Many students are faced with a tough choice at a very young age. While still in high school, a teen has to make a decision whether he or she will live on campus of their future university or live at home with the comfort of their parents. Several advantages and disadvantages exist in making a choice of whether to commute or dorm, live in or out. If one chooses to live at home, they won’t have to pay rent, they will have free meals, and the love of someone close will be one of their needs.

However, living on campus has its own perks such as freedom from parents and siblings and also an opportunity to become more mature. Just like I have said above. It's of two major reasons; for good and bad.

Firstly, living at home can save a student a lot of money in the long run. When living in a campus apartment, things like rent, water, Internet, and electricity bills tend to build up pretty quickly. The students who do not have a job can become stressed and it adds a huge strain on an individual’s financial status.

In most cases, living at home will eliminate the stress of having to pay for bills and it will also mean that there will be more money to spend on things that an individual enjoys, rather than endures. In contrast, if a student takes on the responsibility of living on their own by doing so, the student is creating more freedom for them to do whatever their heart desires, which could either be good or bad. Being with your parents may save the student money; however, having an apartment that can be called home for the next four years or due to years of your programme in school has its reward.

What some people don't know is this; University is a time of self-discovery. Where you’ll make life defining choices which will have a ripple effect on the rest of your life. And where you choose to live will be part of the many options you’ll be facing. The decisions you make could make or break your varsity experience. You may choose to live on campus, at a commune or at home. And you need to decide which living arrangement will best suit your personality and your pocket. It shouldn't mean that if you're staying on campus, you have the liberty to join cult.

The reasons why some students can't stay on campus are : Cost, privacy, support from family relatives and no freedom factor.

Living on campus can be expensive. You won’t only have to pay for tuition fees but also textbooks. Added to that you’ll need to consider other expenses such as food, furniture and utilities. Living at home can help you cut down on these costs.

Sometimes, When you live at home, you’ll be able to avoid the chaos and tussle which you’ll encounter at dorms or communes. Student residential areas are always filled with noisy students bustling in and out of the dorm or hostel. And this could be distracting when you’re trying to study. You’ll also have more freedom at home, whereas when you live in a dorm or commune you’ll have to learn to share your space with someone else. You won’t have much privacy there. For example, If your roomie needs the light on at 2am because they need to study, you’ll have to be understanding. You can't because you want to sleep and disallow them to read with light on.

Another advantage of living at home is you’ll have the support of your family relatives. There’s nothing like coming home to vent to your mother about the awful day you had. And you’ll feel relieved knowing they are always there to offer a shoulder to cry on and help you out.

The number one effect of living at home is when you live at home you won’t enjoy the freedom which your peers will have. You’ll still be accountable to your parents and have to let them know about every move you make.

Also, we have the reasons why some students love to always be on campus, they are: independence, Time, meet new people, 24/7 Library Service, Birds of a feather hang out together (Association) etc

When you live alone you’ll have the opportunity to grow up and become more independent. You’ll learn to be more responsible because you won’t have your parents to bail you out of every situation. You won’t have your mom around to do your laundry or prepare meals. And you won’t have access to a fully stocked fridge. You’ll need to learn to be in charge of yourself and to rely less on your parents. You’ll also learn to make a monthly budget to pay for your groceries and clothes and to also have enough for going out.

Also some students like living on campus because of close proximity to their lecture halls. You’ll live in close proximity to school which means everything will be just a walk away. You can wake up 30 minutes before class and still get there on time. And you won’t have to deal with being late for class due to heavy traffic. The other benefits of living close to campus mean you’ll have access to computer laboratories, your professors and the gym. When you live at home you can waste hours commuting, which can be time-consuming.

More importantly, If you’re in your first year, living on campus can be beneficial for you. You’ll get the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people and be part of the College or university community. You’ll form bonds with people who share the same interests as you do and you’ll make plenty of memories. You’ll go to many events on campus, study together and attend social gatherings. You’ll be able to study with other students, whether it’s in your room or the library. Seeing other people who are focused and working hard will likely rub off on you too. Whereas when you’re living at home, the temptation to procrastinate is higher. This is what i referred to as "Birds of a feather hang out together".

With these people you associate with, Regardless of whether you’re studying Medicine and surgery course or Art course, you may find yourself seeking out a quiet place to study. And when you’re living on campus you’ll be able to study in the school library until late. Most universities offer 24-hour libraries where students can study for hours. And you won’t have to deal with having to drive back home. Driving home by yourself can be quite dangerous and time-consuming.

Conclusively, the only Disadvantage of living on campus is, When you’re living on campus, you’ll have countless distractions. You’ll have friends randomly coming over to visit you. And you’ll also be able to pop out your hostel or lodge at all hours of the night for a time of fun. When you’re living at home you’ll be more disciplined and won’t have too many distractions. Choosing where to live during your college or university years is very important and you should choose wisely. Because it won’t only impact your university or college experience but it could affect how well you do at school and after school too. Choose a better choice! 

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