When choosing a college, I had one requirement: It needed to be close because I wanted to live at home.
Many of my peers were applying to schools as far away as possible, shopping for dorm decor, and making plans to catch up over the holidays. I, on the other hand, was applying within a set radius. I settled on a small private university in the mountains, roughly a 30-minute drive from home.
Despite the proximity, many people assumed I’d still live on campus and were shocked when I told them otherwise. Friends and family were supportive — those who knew me especially well, unsurprised — but their responses were laced with concern.
I was often peppered with questions: Didn’t I want to try living at school for at least a year? Wouldn’t I be missing out on the “college experience?”
I was unconcerned. I knew what I wanted, and paying thousands upon thousands of dollars to live in a dorm room wasn’t it. I believed I could have a far more fulfilling college experience on my own terms — and I was right.
Working off-campus was a priority for me
One of my primary reasons for living off-campus was simple: I wanted to work.
Upon graduating from high school, I was offered a job teaching theatre and dance at the school I’d grown up in. I’d been volunteering with the younger students for years, assisting with classes and productions. Now, being able to do so in an official capacity was an opportunity I wasn’t about to pass up.
I also was leading the marketing efforts of a local bookstore — a job I’d held the year prior — and had no desire to give up experience working in my field.
My work required a sizable time commitment, so I chose to stack my full load of college classes between two days every week — Tuesdays and Thursdays. This gave me the freedom to work and maintain off-campus commitments the rest of the week.
Since I would be spending so much time off campus, it felt crazy to pay through the roof only to spend more days away from school than attending it. I was told I’d regret the decision not to be more involved in my university during my college years, but I was determined to choose my own priorities.
My social life thrived
One of the biggest concerns I heard about my decision to live at home was that I’d miss out on the relationships I’d build in college. I countered: Why would I want to solely invest in friendships that would be scattered in four years by the postgrad diaspora when I could have connections all around me?
Still, I made great friends in college. I bonded with fellow digital media majors by working with them at the student magazine. I stayed close to my theatrical roots by joining theatre electives and attending shows, cheering my classmates on.
But I also had the opportunity to make my community my own. Without being tied to college life 24/7, I could stay close to old friends more easily and get to know new people of all ages and walks of life, broadening my world in a way I wouldn’t have been able to if entirely confined to campus.
The oldest of three girls, living at home also allowed me to be present for moments with family I would have otherwise missed, like weekly meals with my grandparents and helping my little sisters get ready for prom.
Instead of losing a vital opportunity for community, I was able to build and strengthen relationships that would last long past the college years.
My postgrad life is even better thanks to that early decision
After college, many 20-somethings flounder. It’s understandable — for four years, their college campus has been their whole world, and suddenly they’re thrust into the unknown.
I had my share of uncertainties, but I didn’t feel unprepared. Instead of making college my life, I’d spent college building a life I could love — and putting myself in a great place financially to do so.
I left college debt-free, with more savings than most people my age. But living at home during college was more than just a financial perk; it also set me up to thrive mentally and emotionally.
Since graduating in December 2021, I’ve gone full-time with my freelance business, traveled with friends, and begun chasing even bigger dreams. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
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