Moving away from your parents and into a place of your own has long been considered a part of the college experience. However, taking the leap to complete independence fresh out of high school is not as easy or as common as it seems. In today’s world, there is pressure to move out and be thrust into adulthood the moment you turn eighteen, but that expectation is unrealistic. Not everyone wants or is ready for the same thing at the same time.
Some may feel ready to move out after high school, while others aren’t yet comfortable with that level of independence. The decision to move out or stay at home could be related to any number of factors, including family dynamics, life and work experience, mental and physical health, and financial situation. Living in the dorms can be an exciting part of college life, but staying at home isn’t an option to look down on, especially considering what a dent dorm expenses can create in your bank account.
Many students dream of going away for college, to a state or even a country far from home. While the fantasy is nice, the reality of going to college out-of-state isn’t as great as it is made out to be. College tuition costs are already at an all-time high, and out-of-state tuition rates are sometimes over twice as much as in-state. Many colleges’ sky-high out-of-state costs require students to take out loans, which often leave them in debt for years.
And besides the disheartening expense of out-of-state education, living alone in a new place at a young age, particularly in the often high-stress college learning environment, can take a toll on your mental health. Going to school out-of-state can be a great experience for some, but it isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There is no shame in choosing the college situation that is best for your wellbeing, and living on your own in another state isn’t essential to having a positive college experience.