Eligible students may also receive work-study opportunities, which can increase campus job opportunities.
Colleges typically offer a variety of campus jobs, many of which relate to students' academic and professional interests. Find a Job on Campusįinding a part-time campus job can help students increase their income and build closer ties to their college community. Schools typically maintain an online list of campus clubs and other student groups.
Many schools host extracurriculars in areas including sports, arts, academics, and business. Sign Up for ExtracurricularsĮxtracurricular activities offer opportunities to collaborate and socialize with other students.
Orientation events allow students to meet with other campus community members and learn about campus resources. Students can build connections with peers, faculty, and staff by attending campus orientation sessions held at the beginning of the year. This list highlights some of the many campus resources available to help students connect with peers and create a satisfying college experience. But students can still find plenty of opportunities to engage with their academic community. Living at home during college can make it harder to feel connected to a campus.
How to Have the College Experience While Living at Home While it's still possible to make friends and lead an active social life while living off campus, some off-campus students may feel detached from their campus community. Students living at home during college may also miss out on some social experiences that come with on-campus living. Living away from campus means regularly commuting to and from school, which takes both time and money. Cons of Living at Homeįor some students, living off campus comes with drawbacks. Off-campus living may also feature fewer distractions, making it easier to concentrate on schoolwork. For instance, students can save thousands of dollars on room and board by living at home. While some students may crave the social thrill of dorm living, off-campus living offers several notable benefits. Pros and Cons of Living at Home Pros of Living at Home These schools often appeal to working students. No On-campus Housing Option Some colleges (often known as commuter schools) offer few or no campus housing options, with most students commuting to attend classes. Particularly for distance learners who live or work far away from their college, living in a dorm or apartment may pose an inconvenience. All of Your Courses Are Online Online students commonly live off campus while completing their degree. Off-campus living can greatly reduce annual expenses, enabling students to save thousands of dollars on their education. Cost of Room and Board Traditional room-and-board expenses average $11,451 per year at public colleges and $12,682 per year at private colleges. Students with physical disabilities or mental health issues may benefit from the added support that can come with living at home. Support from Family Students may live off campus to benefit from their family support network.
For these students, living at home may not be a choice but a necessity. Support can take many forms, such as caring for ill or eldery parents, helping out with younger siblings, or providing financial support to family members. Family Obligations Some students may live off campus to support their families.