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Suppose you have your heart set on going away to school, somewhere out of state where you can start fresh. Then, the 'rents drop the bomb -- they can't afford to send you anywhere far away. In fact, you'll have to live at home and commute to one of the local colleges in your area. Does this mean you're doomed to a devastating freshman experience? Not by any means. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your college experience, regardless of how close your school is to home and whether or not you live in the dorms.

One perk to attending local colleges is that you'll be surrounded by hometown peers, as well as those who are not from the area. And you, having lived there for years, will have the inside scoop on what to do during your free time between classes and on the weekends. What better way to meet new people than by giving them the tour of your town, showing them all the hot spots and cool hangouts? Having the home advantage at local colleges can work wonders for you on the social scene.

So, you'll be a commuter. Big deal! Since when is having no rent, free laundry, home-cooked meals, no smelly or weird roommates, and a quiet, familiar place to sleep (and study) a bad thing? Student commuters at local universities sometimes forget all the benefits they get to experience by staying home with the folks. And if you really can't stand the idea of living with mom and dad during college, then get a job and save up enough money to move out. Hey -- it could be an excellent lesson in independence, one that your college buds who are living on campus won't necessarily learn.

One thing students commuting to local universities should be sure of is that they aren't alienating themselves. In other words, stay on campus after class and get to know your fellow freshmen. Find a club or extracurricular activity you enjoy where you can build new relationships. If you're planning on attending local colleges and are worried about how that will affect your overall college experience, it's important to try and spend as much time on campus as possible, meeting people and soaking up the undergrad atmosphere.

 

Local colleges

  don't have to mean a mediocre college experience. By attending local universities, students have access to several benefits, both on and off campus. Find out more about local colleges in your area today.

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