On-Campus Housing Vs. Commuting?

Question

I want to convince my parents that staying on campus at our local university is better than commuting. They want to save the money (roughly about $7000-10000 a year), but I think I'll miss more than the college experience. I need lots of feedback, reasons with good evidence and/or cons to commuting. [By the way, it's the University of Pittsburgh, if that helps] Anything would be appreciated!

Answer 1

1) Living on campus allows you to meet more people more quickly and thus assimilate into the campus environment more smoothly.
2) Less wear and tear on the car.
3) Less likely to be late for class.
4) A number of activities sponsored by student groups occur late at night -- for instance, they may have meetings at 7 or show a movie on the lawn at 9. You could stay after class, of course, but then you'd have to drive home afterwards -- which sould possibly be dangerous. Living on campus allows you to experience these things like everyone else.
5) Certain events are designed for resident students only, to enhance the experience. Living off campus, you won't even know about these things and even if you do, you may not be able to attend them.
6) Students who live at home instead of living on campus are slower to adopt adult habits necessary after college: things like cooking, cleaning, ironing, maintaining a sleep schedule
7) People who live on campus are usually more involved in extra-curriculars, which look great on a resume.

etc

There may be some overlap in the answers -- sorry.

Anyway, good luck!

Answer 2

I wish wish wish wish wish I had gone to a university outside of my city so that I could have lived in residence. The uni in my city didn't allow locals to live in residence. I actually came home from university the first week and burst into tears at the dinner table because university felt exactly the same as high school. I wasn't meeting any new people because I lived at home, so I only had my high school friends to fall back on. I didn't get to participate in any of the fun activities that are organized for new students living in residence. If I came home late I had to explain myself the next day (I was allowed to stay out, but it was like I had no privacy) and I couldn't roll out of bed and go to school- I had to leave my house an hour before class started (which is rough for 8:00 am classes!). In my second year I transferred to a different university and immediately made great friends with the three girls who I shared an apartment with; I felt really sad that I didn't have the chance to make friends with a whole floor of people the year before. My expenses were/are nowhere near $10,000 annually! I'm now a graduate student (fifth year of university, first year of grad studies) and I spend about $6000 a year on room and board, and that's for a PRIVATE apartment on campus (I have my own kitchen and bathroom). It would be way cheaper if I was living in a dorm or sharing an on-campus apartment. Initial move-in expenses were about $600 (kitchen and bathroom stuff, new bedding to fit the smaller bed, a TV, some computer equipment, etc) but that was a one-time thing.

MOVE OUT! You will NEVER regret it!

Answer 3

I commute to my college everyday. I find it easier because I am able to get away from the drama, and I get sleep and study time where people arent blaring music. But I do feel I miss some of the bonding that goes on. I still go and hang out and party on the weekends, but its not the same.

What I would suggest is try living on campus for a year, adn if you dont like it or you need more quiet time, then move back home, or try living on campus during your junior year. There are benefits to each.

Answer 4

Salaam. My brother commutes... my sister on campus. The college my bro is going to is in our city, hes been commuting for the reason that start up. saves extra money, hes with relations, he can continually get a house cooked meal (mMm) and a good enviroment to be in. My sister is going to a school an hour away, continues to be in a dorm, 2d 3 hundred and sixty 5 days, has Muslim pals stocks a collection at the same time with her Muslim pals, is in the MSA (muslim pupil association) and PSA (pakistani pupil association) and the college is extraordinarily respected, has an astounding rep, and is really competative! next 3 hundred and sixty 5 days, i opt for to bypass to a school thats 2 hours faraway from my homestead. and that i'd be staying there. InshAllah i am going to get universal. it truly is Virginia Tech and my brother's pals bypass there (Muslim) and say that the MSA application is outstanding MashAllah. for my section, if the campus is 40+ minutes away, it will be extra useful to stay to inform the tale campus than holiday. imagine of continually that you will be dropping that you would possibly want to have the ability to be putting into interpreting in case you holiday... the gas wouldnt quite count number, because in case you stay to inform the tale campus youve already payed room and board... i wouldnt say it evens out yet you recognize what im attempting to assert. you in reality ought to contemplate all the distinct factors for a challenge, and each and each college varies (the fee, geography, community, academic courses...) wish it helped!

Answer 5

As a Pitt alumn, here is a reason based on education and totally legit...
Many of the classes have study/recitation sessions held outside of class hours. Also, more classes are requiring group work which means you will need to meet with your team outside of class to do your homework. Traffic in Oakland is awful, and if you are constantly commuting back and forth that is valuable study time lost. The groups that try to coordinate everything over email end up having to pickup for a slacker (or 2)...or get a lower grade.

Answer 6

As a former PGH resident, appeal to their humanity. It would be terrible to have to take the bus down there everyday, or worse, try to parallel park. If your from instate, it would be cheaper than you going out of state and paying more.

I commuted to a small school in OH (Hiram College) and missed out on a lot by not living on campus. You can always move home, but if you don't stay 1st semester freshman year, you're going to miss a lot.

Answer 7

Unless you can find a way to fund the cost of your housing-maybe with financial aid or a part-time job you have nothing to fight with. Living on campus is a great experience, however, it is also very costly. Think of ways you maybe able to lessen the cost, then you have something to bargain with.

Answer 8

If you don't move out of the house - it will be like going to high school and it will suck. Are your parents going to be ok if you bring a girl up to your room. Just think about it.

good luck!!!