Should I Live on Campus or at Home?

There is so much to navigate during the college research process—from securing financial aid, to choosing a major, to asking yourself: Should I live on campus or at home? 

Students who live within commuting distance of their college often wonder: Is living on campus worth it? After all, it goes without saying that commuting vs. living on campus is typically cheaper. 

But there are many other factors at play when looking at the pros and cons of living on campus. Let’s take a look!

On-Campus Advantages

Making Friendships

Living in campus dorms is a great way to make new friendships and enjoy a sense of community. From organized activities to simply hanging out with roommates, living on campus offers countless opportunities to connect on a deeper level with one’s peers.

Access to Resources

On-campus housing puts you within walking distance of campus resources and conveniences, such as the library, fitness facilities, study groups, counseling services, and more.

Avoiding the Commute

When asking yourself “should I live on campus or at home?” one of the big factors to consider is your journey to campus. Commuting is one of the obvious disadvantages of living off-campus. It’s costly, time consuming, and limits the flexibility in your schedule. Then there’s also the stress of traffic delays and driving in bad weather.

Involvement in Activities

By housing on campus, students are more likely to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and more. This is another way to make new friends and give you something to add to job applications and resumes.

A Sense of Independence

Living on your own is a great way to prepare for life after college. You’ll have the responsibility of keeping your space clean, doing your laundry, buying household supplies, figuring out meals, and more. In a nutshell, you’ll become a pro at adulting.

Potential for Better Academic Outcomes

When weighing the pros and cons of living on campus, some students wonder: Does living on campus affect your grades? According to research, the answer is yes.

A recent study from Penn State University reveals that students in on-campus housing have an average GPA that is anywhere from .19 to .97 points higher than their off-campus counterparts. In addition, students living off campus are nearly twice as likely to get a GPA below 1.0 as those living on campus.

Not only does living on campus affect your grades, but it can also affect the length of time it takes to graduate. College students living on campus are more likely to graduate on time.

Today’s Student Housing Options

Now that we’ve explored the advantages of living on campus, let’s take a look at what can be considered a disadvantage. Some students worry about student housing options that require them to use a communal hallway bathroom, eat dining hall food for every meal, or share a bedroom with someone they don’t know.

This is not the case at Tompkins Cortland Community College.

Residence life at TC3 includes apartment-style living quarters that offer more privacy and amenities than traditional campus dorms. Each unit features a single bedroom for each student, a bathroom, and a kitchen equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, stove, and oven. WiFi and laundry are all included in housing costs, along with regular van trips to the local grocery store.

Enjoy the full college experience without breaking the bank at TC3. Learn more about living on-campus at Tompkins Cortland Community College today!