Carmen Macri
Words by Carmen Macri
We live in an era where kids are so eager to leave their parents’ nests to experience adulthood. And by all means, do it. But take some time to think before you spread your wings and fly — about your financial (and mental) stability.
If you are leaving your hometown for college, this article is not for you, but for you kids who are going to a local university, listen up.
Stay home.
Choosing whether to hunker down at home or dive headfirst into the on-campus experience at your local college is all about what floats your boat. It’s like trying on shoes — what fits like a glove for one person might pinch for another. So why might you want to cozy up to home sweet home while you’re hitting the books locally? Here’s the lowdown:
- Saving money: Staying at home can be a real wallet-saver because you can skip the hefty bills for on-campus housing or rent. It’s like giving your bank account a breather and lightening the load of college expenses. Since you already have to spend an arm and a leg on textbooks, school supplies, online course material, etc, living at home and cutting out the cost of rent is a brilliant option (and one I wish I chose). Plus you’ll be saving money on food. No need to grocery shop or eat out every day if you are coming home to a homecooked meal (something I deeply miss and underappreciated at the time).
2. Health benefits: Trust me, the grub you’ll find in your family kitchen beats what comes out of the cafeteria or your nearby drive-thru by a mile. Fewer sugar-loaded sodas and way less of those artery-clogging, greasy indulgences. It’s like giving your well-being a turbo boost in the right direction. I mean, during my freshman and sophomore years of college, I lived off Top Ramen and PP&J’s (I still do), and it showed. They aren’t kidding about that freshman 15.
3. Dodging those pesky distractions: You know, for a bunch of students being on campus or shacking up with roommates can turn into a bit of a circus with all the social happenings and the somewhat wild and unstructured atmosphere. Now choosing to chill at home? That’s like getting yourself a backstage pass to a quieter, more laser-focused study zone. Plus, it comes with the bonus of a more dependable daily routine and a generally cleaner, Zen-like atmosphere.
4. No need for a job: You don’t need to work to make ends meet. While it’s certainly valuable and often recommended to have a part-time job during college, it’s not necessary if you’re living at home. With your classes and study sessions filling up most, if not all, of your available time, any remaining moments might get eaten up by a job. However, living at home lets you check working a minimum-wage job off your seemingly endless to-do list. This means more free time to hang out with your friends and family. (Again, something I wish I considered before I packed up my belongings and moved out at 18).
5. Saving money: If you opt to juggle work and college while enjoying the comfort of living at home, it’s like you’ve got a financial superpower at your disposal. Why? Because every hard-earned dollar you rake in can be stashed away safely in your savings account, patiently waiting for that moment when you’re ready to spread your wings and fly from the family nest. This means you’re not just making ends meet or covering daily expenses. Instead, you’re building a financial cushion, a safety net or even a ticket to your future dreams. Whether it’s for your post-graduation adventure, a down payment on your own place or that dream vacation, having your earnings go straight into savings is a game-changer.
6. The family pet: Last but certainly not least, you don’t have to part ways with your furry family member. This one will likely strike home with most of us. Saying goodbye to a pet is quite possibly the worst feeling in the world, believe me, I know from experience. But staying at home means you get a free ride while staying your best friend since most dorms don’t allow pets. Plus owning one while freshly on your own is a whole other responsibility on its own — this I also I know.
As I said, staying at home is not for everyone, of course. Some factors play into these types of decisions for everyone’s unique situation. But if the stars align in such a way that it could be seen as beneficial both financially and mentally for you to stay at home — do it. There is nothing wrong with staying at home just a little while longer to ensure success for your future. In many cultures around the world, it is considered normal for children to live with their parents well into adulthood.
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