My first semester of college already started and im living at home and commuting everyday to class. But my friends are staying in dorms and i think i made the mistake of commuting. Dorming seems so much funner and i really want to do it. But my parents are against me dorming but how can i convince them to let me dorm? I want to stay with one of my close friends whos also dorming next semester and my parents really like him to, but i dont know how to approach my parents. please help...
2006-08-31 14:31:44 · 8 answers · asked by CuriousOne 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
by the way there are no financial difficulties at all.
2006-08-31 14:53:48 · update #1
First, be sure to stress you would not be dorming with the opposite sex. Let them know that being on campus has a lot of advantages: closer to classes (no skipping class), closer to library for studying, better chance to develop long-lasting friendships, most of all it will prove that you can make adult decisions. This last point is key, your parents should trust the decisions you make if they feel they raised you right. Let them know your decisions are a reflection of them and the way you were brought up. If they feel they did a great job, then they should respect and trust your decisions. Now the downside, you can't screw up! Overall, if they are paying, they get to make the decision. Maybe you can come up with a contract with them that says if you do well in your classes this year, next year you should be able to live on campus.
2006-08-31 14:53:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it from me.I've been living at home and commuting to go to college, and it's NOT as bad as you think it is... there are a LOT of DISadvantages to living in a dorm that I THINK you are NOT considered. I mean, sure you can have your "independence", but honestly, if you have a large enough class load, and have SO much studying to do, then what really does that "independence" account for???
First off, dorms are extremely expensive... probably one of the reasons your parents prefer you to stay home... And they JUST aren't worth the price. You get cramped quarters (You think your rooom is small at home, but you don't Get a large living room, and kitchen and a BATHROOM that big in a dorm). You sacrafice a LOT of space when moving in a dorm. Not only that, but in most cases, who you dorm with (no room mate, but SUITE mates), cannot be trusted. A lot of petty stealing, and damaging of property happens in dorms... y ou can't CONSTANTLY monitor your stuff in a dorm, but at home, you can lock the front door.
Another thing that I noticed a lot of people saying as an advantage is being "closer to classes"... Right, that is true... but think about it.. knowing that you are closer to classes, are you going to be always on time? You'll rush a lot more, thinking "oh, I can get there quicker".... it's just not true... most people I know think this, and end up being the ones late, while the people who commute across town make it there on time... AND, I'm guessing you'll have a car... what's the point in driving anymore if you lose your PRIME SPOT in the parking lot closest to the dorms? So? You gonna walk to get your food? walk to a bar to hang out with your friends? It's pointless...
Dorms have NO privacy... I mean, yeah, close to friend.... right that's SUCH an advantage.. what if you want to bring a "Friend" over to hang out??? And well.. "DO" anything... NO WAY in a door could you get intimate, or just have time to enjoy "ALONE" time... ALONE time doesn't EXIST.
But whatever.. you want to feel more adult and responsible, get a job, and work while going to class, and then SEE how much free time you'll have.
2006-08-31 23:15:14 · answer #2 · answered by theviolet41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first off by saying that it is funner than at home, would make me say no. If I'm spending all that money for you to get an education I'm not interested in you having a funner time. Second, maybe they can't afford the added expense of you being in a dorm when being at home is that much cheaper.
The only way that you could convince me that you were mature enough to stay in a dorm is if you have concrete reasons like added study time, more access to professors etc.
By the way, my son stayed home all four years instead of a dorm the reason was he wanted to go to a fairly expensive college, not a state associated one, and we couldn't afford to do both.
2006-08-31 21:49:43 · answer #3 · answered by kny390 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will have an easier time convincing them if you get a job to pay for the increase in living expenses. Do you think living in a dorm is worth working 15 hours a week?
2006-08-31 21:57:34 · answer #4 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Approach them respectfully and make sure you're professional when you talk about this. Getting upset at them will only make them think you're not grown up enough. Try telling them how you want to be more involved on campus and you want to be closer to the campus. By living there you can make closer friends and have the living-on-your-own experience, while still in a structure, school setting. If money is the issue, offer to take out student loans which you will be able to pay off once your out of school.
2006-08-31 21:52:03 · answer #5 · answered by kesquillante 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with JC. Did your parents tell you the reason they do not want you to live on campus? If they haven't ask them the reason they are against it. You can give your parents the pros of staying on campus in the dorm. Staying on campus is more money (room and board) so ask your parents is money a problem for them (if they are paying for your tuition). If they are paying for your tuition, then that is probably the reason you cannot live on campus. If money is not a problem or they are not paying for your tuition, have a talk with them and let them know that you are an adult and it is time for you to learn responsibities. Let them know that you will study and get good grades and all you are asking them is to trust you as you will continue to study and earn good grades while living on campus.
2006-08-31 22:40:41 · answer #6 · answered by Shay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them know the advantages of staying in a dorm:
- closer to classes
- access to a school library
- social experiences
- independency
- etc.
Maybe your parents are just not ready to let go. Let them know that you need to learn to be on your own for when you move out and start a career.
2006-08-31 21:58:30 · answer #7 · answered by J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mention gas prices, that you gain life experience and independence, and ask to try if for a semester... there's no shame in changing your mind.
2006-08-31 23:10:14 · answer #8 · answered by osk1251 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋