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Now that you've decided to go to college, your next question should be whether or not you want to live on campus. There are pros and cons to both living in a dorm room and living at home. Here are some student-savvy factors to consider...

Living at Home PROS...

The Buck Factor: The biggest advantage to living at home is the ability to save money. Room and board at college can get very expensive, nearly doubling your college expenses.

"I love living at home because I don't have to pay rent and I get to save money since I don't have to buy a housing contract or meal plan," says Tara Gorniak, a junior poli-sci major at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

The Escape Clause: Living at home means you will be able to spend time away from campus. This way, if life at college is getting too stressful, you can always click your heels and head home.

This proves beneficial to Christine Kleck, a junior at Penn State Erie. "I prefer to go home between classes, because I feel I can get more work done and relax in a quiet setting."

You'll Have Another Life: When you live off-campus, you are more likely to be involved in different types of activities and be exposed to different people. Your life will not revolve solely around your studies and school-related activities.

"I get to spend time at home with my family, and I don't have to think about schoolwork," shares Niki Harlan, a Penn State Erie senior majoring in communication and media studies.

Living at Home CONS...

Limited Interaction: As a commuter student, you'll most likely go to campus for class and little else, so it will be harder for you to make new friends than it would be if you were immersed in Campus life.

Sarah Hildreth, a sophomore psych' major at Penn State Erie, says living off-campus definitely limits her opportunities for interaction. "The way my schedule works, I'm usually only on campus when I need to be. Sure, I make friends in my classes, but after the semester is over I pretty much have to start over again."

Become involved in on-campus groups and activities, such as the school paper, band, or a service organization. Most commuter students agree this helps to alleviate some of this alienation.

Power Struggle: As you mature, your desire for independence increases. Unfortunately, living at home often means that you will have to adhere to your parents' rules.

This has been a problem for Tara Gorniak, another Penn State student. "I'm an only child, and since I still live at home, my mom still treats me like a child. She always wants to know where I am and gives me unreasonable curfews." Tara and her mom fought over this so much that she moved in with her dad for a few months. "When I moved back in with my mom after taking a break, it was much easier to talk over our problems and compromise."

By being aware of this problem beforehand, you may be able to discuss these issues with your parents before a huge confrontation ensues. Explain to your 'rents that you will need more independence due to your new lifestyle, but be willing to compromise. After all, you are living under their roof and need to respect their rules.

Living on Campus PROS...

It's Independence Day: Without your parents to lean on all the time, you'll have to figure things out for yourself. Not only that, you'll be able to make your own decisions regarding everything from whom to go out with to when to go to bed.

Bohdan Kanicki, a freshman advertising major at the University of Buffalo, realizes living in a dorm has helped him mature. "It has forced me to place limits on myself, being my own parent, so to speak. There is nobody here to tell me what to do or not to do. I've had to quickly decide what would be a good idea or ill-advised."

It'll Be Like "Friends": Because you are always surrounded by fellow students, it's a lot easier to make friends and develop lasting relationships. Even if you don't have a roommate, you're sure to meet students who live in your dorm hall.

Living on campus has made Wendy Rihel, another Penn State Erie senior, more outgoing and sociable. "It's helped me form some of my best friendships. [I've met] most of my close friends through living here."

Compromising 101: You will have to learn to get along with others, as your living situation may necessitate your living with a roommate, suitemates, or hall-mates. This will help you learn to deal with people, which will be a valuable asset in your future relationships in the workplace and at home.

Becky Hack, a Penn State Erie in her senior year, reports having increased communication skills, thanks to her on-campus abode. "When you live with another person, you have to learn how to communicate effectively and how to compromise. I've learned that if I want something changed, I have to talk it out with my roommate."

Living on Campus CONS...

Roomie Roulette: Your roommate and/or hall-mates may smoke, drink, or party loudly, and you will be powerless to prevent those actions. Also, you might not get along with them, and may have to deal with amazingly rude behavior. In short, it's a gamble.

Benjamin Isaac McCarty, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, knows how that feels. "I'm good buds with my roommate, but he's going out for a frat, and I am in ROTC. Our schedules collide big time. He comes home at 2 a.m., I wake up at 5 a.m."

Despite their differences, Benjamin and his roomie have learned to deal with each other, though it's not without some battles. "He turns on the stereo when he comes home, so I turn on the stereo in the morning, all the lights, and use my electric shaver by his bed."

Revenge isn't always the best option, of course. If you find yourself easily distracted by your co-inhabitant's habits, you may wish to consider rooming by yourself. Be warned, however, this alternative may be considerably expensive and sometimes, colleges prohibit freshmen from having "singles." Think of ways you can also compromise with your roomie to make for more compatible living.

Back to Reality: Coming home from college can be a rude awakening because you'll be so accustomed to your newly gained independence. No matter what, though, you will have to readjust to your 'rents' rules.

Jennie Ellison, also a Penn State senior, resolved this dilemma by talking with her 'rents. "There used to be [a problem] because I would go out and they'd want me home at a certain time when I was used to coming in whenever I wanted to," she explains. After discussing it, Jennie reached an agreement with her mom and dad where she promised not to come home too late.

All students agree: Whether you decide to live on or off campus, there will be benefits and disadvantages. The solution? Be aware of potential problems and you'll make the year enjoyable and stress free!

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