Going Away to School vs. Staying at Home

Should I go or should I stay? The dilemma on whether to go away for college or whether to stay locally can be a tough one for some. It’s a big decision that can determine the rest of your life, so here are the benefits of both to help you make the decision just a bit easier (or harder!).

STAYING HOME
One of the biggest benefits of staying home is the convenience--it can be helpful to be able to continue to live at home, rent-free and to not worry about moving your entire life to a dormitory in a new city.  This is quite beneficial if you’re looking to save some money.

Another bonus of staying home is that you get to stay close to friends (at least the ones that also chose to stay) and family.  You already know the area, and if you have friends who haven't gone to college, it's also easier to keep in touch with them.

One of the downfalls of living at home, however, is the possibility of missing out on the “campus experience”. Most colleges have societies and other events going on, and if you're going home every day, it takes a lot more conscious effort on your part to get involved with them. Also depending on how far away the college is from where you live, you can spend a lot of time and money travelling to and from college every day.

GOING AWAY
Leaving home and starting over in a new city is an adventure—new city, new place to live, new friends, new people! Starting over makes you gain a greater sense of independence and is great practice for when you finish college and want to move out. Your friends and family will still be around, and are most often just a phone call or email away, but going away to college helps you test your own ability to make it in the world.

If you go away to college, you will also have a lot of experiences that you probably won't have if you stay at home. There is generally a real feeling of community at colleges, because you're all in the same situation together. It's a great opportunity to try out hobbies and join clubs that you've always wanted to try. No matter how excited you are about going away to college, you will get homesick--everyone does. It may not be in the first week, it may not be in the first month, but there will always be a point when you want to see your family or friends. It is important to know that there will always be someone feeling the same way, and there will always be someone who can listen to you and help you.

The final decision is ultimately yours, and whatever decision you choose, it is important to make the best of it and have fun--after all, these are the best years of your life.

Have a Plan - Choosing a School

Waiting to the last moment to choose a college or university is not the best idea. These days’ college-bound students begin their search early. Juniors and seniors in high school are trying to find the right institution for them. There are a lot of considerations that factor into this type of choice. This is one of the reasons that parents and students must work together to make this decision.

The location of the school may be one of the largest factors in your choice. Some families, however, will focus on the cost of the college or university. These types of considerations coupled with degree programs offered are all a part of the process. Having a plan is a great way to make the best decision for your student. Here are some of the things that should make your list:

Prepare for Admissions

The admissions process is essential to attending an institution of higher learning. Each school will have its own criteria. Most often this will include entrance testing, applications, and general admissions. Students feel more comfortable with this process when they know what to expect. Parents and guidance counselors can be good resources for these students.

List Colleges

There are bound to be a group of colleges that your student is interested in. Not all of these schools will make your short list of possibilities. It is important to know that every college has a criterion for applying for entrance. Students should consider what that school has to offer them and their futures. It is also important to think about things like distance from home, cost of tuition and board. Students must also consider the degree programs being offered from a school before making a final decision.

The transition involved in going to college can be smooth or rocky. Families that set a plan and prepare ahead of time actually enjoy this process. Planning for the day that your child goes off to college is about more than finances. Things like campus life, budgeting time and money are included here. Listing important factors will help you and your student to prepare for the experience.