Living With Parent(S) Or Living Independently While In College Essay Sample

- Introduction
- Factors to consider in making the decision
- Financial considerations
There are several reasons why a college student may opt to live with his parents while in college, but foremost among these are the financial benefits attached to it. Considering that tuition and room and boarding fees are continuously rising, any amount of savings from rent, electricity, water, laundry, food and transportation will be appreciated by the parents, as well as the student. The cost of living therefore, will significantly be reduced if the college student lives at home.
- Independence
- Interaction with peers
Since most college subjects require study groups, it would be difficult for a student staying with his parents to interact with his peers because he has to rush home. College schedule is quite erratic due to the study groups; thus, having to stay at a parent’s house seems contrary to college life. On the other hand, a positive aspect of having limited interaction with peers is that the student is prevented from mingling with students who are into some form of substance abuse such as prohibited drugs, alcohol or cigarette smoking.
- Social activities
There are a lot of extra-curricular activities where a college student can participate in. If he lives at home, he might not be able to join these activities because he has to go home. The student may also miss out on dorm parties and college fellowships. However, if a student lives at home, not attending these activities would mean extra savings for the family.
- Emotional support
Some parents prefer to have their college children live with them because they feel that they need the emotional support to meet the challenges presented by college life. Parents worry about their children not being able to adjust emotionally, psychologically and physically with the strains of college life. They are also concerned about the academic performance of their child. Safety inside the campus is another factor that they are worried about, especially now that there are isolated cases of violence in educational institutions. Parents are bothered too about who the roommate of their child will be in a dormitory. Some colleges however assure parents that they have advisory programs and safety nets in place to ensure the students’ well-being and success.
- Commuting time
If a college student chooses to live with his parents, there is a need to factor in the time it takes to commute from the house to the school. Commuting time will take away sleep time and study time away from the student. The cost of transportation, which is either the cost of gasoline, parking or subway fare should be included in the additional expense if a student is to stay at home while in college. Furthermore, commuting may also exhaust the student; thereby, reducing his energy for school work.
- Social stigma
Living with one’s parents while in college creates a social stigma. People will think that even as a young adult, one is still irresponsible and immature. One will always be under the care of his parents who will be treating him like a child. The college student will still have to follow the rules of his parents since he is still being supported by them. His classmates might think negatively of him. It is a big turn-off for students who want to enter into a relationship with the opposite sex. This stigma however may be positively viewed because the student can concentrate more on his studies because he does not have to worry about financials or other matters that may distract him if he lives in a dormitory.
- Conclusion
Going to college is an important milestone in one’s life. The decision of whether to stay with one’s parent or to live independently while in college will impact one’s life experience. Several factors are to be considered to come up with a practical and wise choice. The decision need not be a unilateral one, rather it should be a decision that have been thoroughly discussed by both parent and child.
- Introduction
- Factors to consider in making the decision
- Financial considerations
- Independence
- Interaction with peers
- Social activities
- Emotional support
- Commuting time
- Social stigma
- Conclusion