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We (our family) could really use some input on whether in today's college climate a Freshman boy would be better off living in a dorm or off-campus.
My husband and I have different experiences relative to dorm v. off-campus, but it has been quite some time since we were in our first year of college. I enjoyed being on-campus more than off-campus and eventually decided to have a dorm with no roommates. I still prefer to be around the activity, but alone in it for a study environment. My husband preferred living in a pop up camper and recalls living in a dorm as the worst year of his life.
We are also concerned that the overall campus life experience has changed over the years. We both continue our education, but you know... things are different for Continuing Ed students.
So, if you have any input, or things to consider that would help us to make a decision, we would appreciate it. My son knows I am posting this because he also admits he is not sure.
Here is some information about our son that *may* be relevant:
He is leaning toward off-campus because the idea of being surrounded by noise in his home environment worries him.
He shows no signs of reckless behavior right now, and I can't imagine it with his personality
He is physically strong and able
He is responsible with things like checking in, he doesn't lose his phone, and spends very little money
He can lack motivation, meaning he is inconsistent in his ability to do school work as a self-starter (Hard to admit, but it's out there).
He wants to school at a Junior College (2 year) to start due to a specific technical skill he wants. The school is about 5 hours away.
His grades are at a 3.65 coming into his Senior year.
...I can't think of anything else. Please ask
Last edited by Robinstyler; 07-26-2013 at 05:45 PM..
I don't understand - community colleges don't usually have dorms. And if he's living off campus, would that mean at home or just in an off campus apt?
Most colleges recommend dorms for incoming freshmen - they provide a small semblance of structure and make sure students mostly get fed and have some supervision (although the supervision can be pretty lax). So generally that's better for a first year student. However, I think you need to consider the recommendation of the school itself and what the life is like in the dorms.
If he lives off campus would he live alone?
You state he is reliable, etc. but who would miss him (not know if he didn't return to his off campus apt). I am encouraging on campus housing for safety reasons even if it is a safe area.
If he lives off campus would he live alone?
You state he is reliable, etc. but who would miss him (not know if he didn't return to his off campus apt). I am encouraging on campus housing for safety reasons even if it is a safe area.
I can only speak to his reliability within my own home, so I'm at that place where I can't be sure. Safety is my concern, and I'm thinking that perhaps we could meet half way and select a dorm without a roommate. That way, at least the RA (if they still call them that) would be on the lookout.
I'm not familiar with many 2 year colleges that offer housing it's hard to say what THIS school living environment would be like, I'm guessing nothing like a big 4 year university no matter how you slice it.
That said, I think he would be better off in the dorm. My eldest skipped dorms and went into an apartment with a few other people....it gave her a similar experience minus the communal bathroom and let her cook, which was important.
There aren't a ton of two-year colleges that are residential, but they do exist.
On or off campus...depends on the school, the kid. My college required freshmen to live on campus, actually. I personally much preferred living on campus, for the convenience as well as the social aspect.
My college required freshmen to live on campus, actually. I personally much preferred living on campus, for the convenience as well as the social aspect.
Four years on campus. Short walk to everything. Easy to find some people to play pick-up sports with.
Studies show that students that live on campus do much better academically. I think your husband's experience is out of the ordinary and most people find living on campus is the better choice, especially for the first couple years.
I would just make sure going to the junior college is the right path to take and credits transfer and he isn't losing out on money to pay for the 4 year college. His GPA is high enough, depending on what his ACT/SAT scores are that he should qualify for merit aid at many schools. What is he going to major in? Also, if he is picking this junior college just because of one major, what happens if he gets into it and doesn't like it--what other options are there for him there?
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Ditto
