Pros And Cons Of Living At Home During College

College is about freedom, figuring out who you are, and learning how to survive on your own, right?

Starting with the pros: FOOD

Nothing beats getting free food from home. You can eat breakfast in the morning, pack a free lunch, or go home after a long day of class and finish the day with late night pasta and peanut butter and jelly. All free, free, free.

Laundry

Well, hopefully, you're doing your own laundry by now, big college student, but you'll find most of your dorm-living classmates stressing just a little about where and when they'll do the laundry. Luckily, you can do it as much as you want without having to worry about quarters.

Good advice (for most people)

Living with your parents means living with one or two people who have already been through life. Most of the time, they'll acknowledge your quest for independence but are always there to help you and give you advice when you're making big academic and social decisions.

Not having to move your crap every year.

Living at home during college means that your clothes, your TV, your own bed, and your junk all stay in the same place. Living on campus means a lot of moving in and out. That can really wear out your Zac Efron posters.

OK, Now a few cons: First, Commuting

Not a problem for everyone, but if your classes are a pretty good drive away from your house, it starts to feel like the time commuting really adds up. Also, gas prices can be a pain. But, if you're feeling positive, just think of the commute as "me time" and blast your favorite music.

Someone asking you "Why did you come home so late?"

Once again, not too big of a deal, and not a problem for everyone, but when your friends and/or significant other are partying til 5 in the morning, it can be annoying knowing you might get hounded the next day for coming home late. But, it only makes sense and helps you understand sleep is soooo good.

Not diving head-first into living independently

Sometimes you get envious of your dorm-living classmates who cannonballed into living on their own. But after about a year, you start not caring and wanting more sleep, food, laundry, and parental lovvveee.