CAREERS & EDUCATION
From Issue #17
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Choosing to stay at home or move away is
as difficult a decision as picking a school
by Joanne Spanninga
MOVING AWAY
No longer confronted with curfewsand daily
expectations; instead you are confronted with laundry,
groceryshopping, or cafeteria food. You learn to pay
bills, make appointments, and attend class
independently, whichhelps you develop responsible
habits before 
having to actually live on your own.
A very helpful matchmaker when applying for residence
is the sign up form, which asks for lifestyle habits such
as sleeping and studying times, and personal habits
such as smoking and loudness. This form is used to
divide students into buildings and rooms with people
who they are deemed to be compatible with allowing
them to make friends more easily and avoid conflict.
Just like in high school you’ll need to deal with peer
pressure. Living with a large group of people often
means it will be difficult to go against the crowd,
especially without the benefit of having home to
retreat to every day. Another disadvantage is the cost
of paying increasingly expensive prices for on-campus
housing. You will most likely also spend more cash than
you would otherwise on entertainment and food.
However, most students who have chosen to live on
residence say the same thing; that the social benefits
outweigh the financial consequences.
STAYING AT HOME
There is also a lot to be said for the prospect of living
at home while attending school; the most common
appeal being cost efficiency.
Without the cost of rent or residence putting a dent in
your bank account there is more financial security
attached with staying at home and taking advantage of
your parents’ food, car and laundry facilities.
Some argue that living in residence will give you a
better social life; that friends seem to fall into your lap,
however, these friends are new and untested. An
advantage of staying at home is that it is easier to
maintain strong friendships with your tried-and-true
high school best friends.
Living at home can sometimes make it easier to
maintain good grades. With less distraction, and less
peer pressure, your marks tend to suffer less
dramatically than if you lived in residence.
Note: You can get involved
with on-campus activities
whether you to choose to
move away or stay home.
Take advantage of the various
societies and clubs to get
involved in issues that
interest you. It’s also a great
way to meet new people and
make friends.
