Is it better to live with your parents, in an apartment, or in dorms while in college?

Question

I really cant see myself living in the dorms. Its too chaotic and Im pretty mature.

I dont care about drinking and partying or getting "laid." Im not a whore.

I am trying to save money so I can actually have fun.

I'd rather not have to worry about bills and studying

My parents dont pressure me.

I dont think living in the dorms is being "independent" most people in dorms have mom and dad paying anyway.Whats the difference? Like I said Im not going to college to get buck wild. thanks.

Im paying my own way through college, btw.

Answer 1

I live in an apartment with my mom. It's a lot cheaper than living in a dorm. Plus I have someone helping me with cooking, cleaning and laundry. Plus I never have to worry about trusting my dorm mate(s) and I also get a fairly good sized room and can decorate it almost any way I want too, without offending a dorm mate. Okay, so I don't go to many parties, but I'm not really into parties...I'm more into small get togethers with friends. My freedom isn't restricted at all. As I am an adult I can make my own choices, and the only house rule I have to follow is cleaning up after myself. Other than that my life is my own business.

Answer 2

Definitely do not live with your parents. It doesnt' matter if you don't plan on any partying. You will feel left out because people would have formed cliques.

If you happen to be high maintenance (there's nothing wrong with that) and you have to have your own room and/or bathroom or happen to be a light sleeper, you may not like the dorm, although I think the sacrifices are worth it. Another option would be to find an apartment within walking distance to the university. If the place is far away, it won't really help much than living with your parents. Actually, I take that back. Freedom and independence are part of college experience so that you will feel free do discover yourself without constant pressure from your parents to go a certain way.

Answer 3

It depends on the person, really. But I'd say, living in the dorms is quite an experience. It has helped me grow up tremendously and become the person I am today. It is the first step to independence and to this day I don't regret living through that experience. As for an apartment, I'd wait on that until after going to the dorms. Take it one step at a time.

Answer 4

Each has its ups and downs. By living with your parents, you (or probably them, since they're paying for your education, more than likely) will save on food/rent, but you'll have to live under your parents' rules and regs. In an apartment, you can come and go as you please, have guys over for the night, etc., but you'll be living at home again (and have a black mark on your credit score) if you miss a rent payment. Dorms can be a hoot--lots of socializing--but you have rules and regs, and it can be hard to study if everyone is partying.

I'd recommend starting in a dorm, then moving to an apartment after a year or two.

Answer 5

Many colleges require freshmen to live in dorms, so you may not have a choice. Personally, I think dorms are the best place for a freshman as you learn the ropes of independance and being away from home. Although its not the most physically comfortable place, it provides lots of memories and is the best places to become acquainted with peers.

Answer 6

i think dorms would be best because they're small with few distractions (as long as parties aren't too loud).
and of course parties are fun and there are lots of people around to socialize with in your spare time.

i lived with my parents.
my parents are pretty much a pain in the ***.
and, unfortunately for me, i didn't make many friends, and probably didn't get as much out of college as i should have because of that.

but it all depends on you, i think. either option seems okay.
if you have nice parents, living at home might be cheapest and best.
otherwise, i really think a dorm or an apartment would be better to help you become independant, and help you grow as a person.

Answer 7

It depends. If you live with your parents, will you get to live there for free while attending school? Or, will you have to work part time, and then pay room and board? Are you willing to abide by the rules of your parent's home? In an apt.-you have to pay rent, and other bills. Plus the cost of doing your own laundry. Plus, be sure to attend all your classes, work, etc. Dorms--Are you repsonsible enough to stay in a dorm, do your homework, get enough rest, and eat properly, etc? Does it cost to live in a dorm? How often would you be going home to see your parents, and do your laundry at home? If you are at your parent's home, and just go to school, not work, (or even work parttime) it would be cheaper than staying in an apt. Please remember one other thing, if you are just starting college, regardless of where you live, you are responsible to get yourself up, and ready, and to each of your classes on time, on your own. Take care.

Answer 8

I have extremely conservative parents, so i thought living at home was a bad thing. It wouldn't have worked out for me to live with them......one of my friends his parents moved up to where school is and lived a block away....he lived with them for a year and they are very liberal....he coudln't handle it inthe end. You're parents are gonna give you problems when you don't keep your straight A's and they see you go out on weekends..

I hated dorms, but at my school, they stuck all 7000ish freshman in one block. So that was good, you meet everyone you are going to school with for the next few years in that first year. Depends on your dorm situation.

Also depends on the type of school. Public vs private. Our freshman dorms, since they were freshman, there were very strict on alcohol, no crazy parties...i had an all guys dorm too. It wasn't "wild". I had to live with a stranger and i got sick sooo often. When one person gets sick, everyone does.
Dorm life was good in meeting people, but after that first year i moved out into an apartment.

Apartments i think are great. You're outside of the university's control though, so police get called rather than having to deal with the university for more minor things. (noise complaints, alcohol).

I live alone in an apt.....i had a roommate for just one semester in 3 years and that was hell. But if you live alone, it gives you freedom to do wahtever you want. Atleast your own bedroom is good....

Only real downside is neighbors suck. They'll blast music whenenver they want, but if you have your music on when theirs is off....they complain.

Also have only been sick about once a year while in apartment.

In the end, i'd recomend living in the dorms for a bit, just to meet people.....then go apartment.

Answer 9

Living with the parents will always be cheaper, but will restrict your freedom a lot.
Living in the dorm is not a solution either as the noise and loss of privacy is unbearable. Apartment living is best provide you can afford the costs

Answer 10

>>I did all 3 at one point or another and to get the true college experience, I would live in the dorms....was a lot of fun and met a lot of really interesting people.