Once a person steps into college, one of the first questions in their mind is- should I live on campus or should I live at home? Students are often confronted with this question when getting into college and they remain doubtful of their decisions. Moreover whomever they question carries a different opinion as everyone shares a personal point of view respective of his or her experiences. However, living in the dorm and living at home has certain similarities and differences coupled with certain advantages and disadvantages, knowing of which can help the student make an informed decision.
Living on and living off campus share several similarities. The first is that there is a concept among students that those who study at home or living on their own in some apartment will perform better academically as compared to those who study in the dorm. This is unlikely because those students who are driven and ambitious and have to take their studies seriously will always do so and their grades will not be affected by their environment. Students who are unwilling to study will not study at any place and academics irrespective of where they live. (Campus Grotto).
Another similarity between living on campus and off campus is that which is associated with the roommate and environment of living. An annoying roommate is often one of the basic most concerns of students. However, the same can be said of those who are living in homes. Sometimes they have a lot of younger brothers and sisters at home, and there is a lot of noise and disturbance in the home. Even if a person gets their own place, they will need roommates and there will be issues even then. Hence, it cannot be guaranteed that one place will be more peaceful and ideal for the environment than the other. (Campus Grotto).
Yet there are certainly other factors that distinguish between living in the dorm and at home, and there are certain differences between the two.
There is a difference in cost between the two. Living on campus is managed along with the admission in college, and it has a fixed cost. This means that there is no room for negotiation or compensation in the cost of the dorm, and it needs to be paid for as much as the amount demanded. Even if the fee is being paid for through scholarship, by one’s own self or by the parents, the amount cannot be reduced. On the other hand, living at home or on rent are things that are managed by a person on their own. At home, there is no cost at all, whereas the apartment or room to live in elsewhere can be chosen according to one’s own needs and affordability. (Campus Grotto).
The other difference is the distance and time it takes to attend classes from the respective places. When a student lives on campus in the dorm, it is easier for them to rush to classes from the dorms as they are on campus. Hence, if they are getting late or forget something in their room, they can rush back to get it. Living off campus increases distance and hence, it is difficult for the students to reach on time, and if they forget anything at home or their apartment, they cannot go back. (Campus Grotto).
Conclusively, living on campus and off campus has its own advantages and disadvantages, similarities and differences. Students living on and off campus will perform the same academically and may have the same kind of problems with roommates. On the other hand, living on campus and off it is the cost and the distance it takes to attend classes.
Work Cited
Campus Grotto. Living on campus vs. living off campus. 2016. Web. 24 Feb 2016.
