So. You’re heading out soon to the land of higher learning. College can be an exciting adventure and a time to grow into a brand new person. It will also be full of homework, new kinds of stress, and unfamiliar challenges. You’re probably facing one of those challenges right now: deciding how you’re going to attend.
There’s more than one way to do college. You can live on-campus, commute, or get your education online. Each one comes with its own pros and cons. If picking a career wasn’t bad enough, you also have to decide where you’re going to go–and how you’re going to get there. If you’re having trouble deciding which college route is right for you, take a look at the following considerations.
Live On-Campus
This option is the most expensive. The lifetime cost of college debt is a huge consideration for most students, and chances are, you’re one of them. You may not be able to afford living on campus, since room and board can add thousands to every semester’s payment. If you want to play it smart and have less debt, you may want to consider other options. If your school of choice is away from home, however, then living on-campus is your only option. On the pro side, living on campus is the preference of most students. It’s hard to get that sense of community when you’re living off campus, and commuting could keep you from saying “yes” to great activities. For the most fun during your college years, live on campus if you can.
Commute
Like we said, living on campus can be fun, but it’s also expensive. Maybe the idea of a rude, messy, or drunk roommate doesn’t appeal to you, either. If you go to a nearby college, you can live at home and drive to school. While you can take a bus or carpool with a friend, that lack of freedom will start wearing thin after only a few months. If you’re going to commute, you’ll probably want to buy a car. Check out car dealerships in Mechanicsburg, PA or Bend, OR, and get a car for your commute. A commute can save you money and still keep you attached to your school community, as long as your transportation schedule is your own. A good middle ground, commuting can save you cash but still provide you will college life.
Learn Online
Fifty years ago, students had two options. Now, you have three. You don’t have to live on campus or commute to get a good education. Instead of driving six states away or driving a half hour every morning, you can walk to school. Across your bedroom. Whether you live in San Diego, CA or Belleville, NJ, your college’s location doesn’t have to determine where you go to school. There are a number of online programs, and no matter what degree you want to pursue, you can learn for less money if you get your degree online. It might be hard to stay at home with your parents, but an online degree provides more flexibility; you could work part-time, share an apartment, and still study your way to a degree.
