As high school seniors begin to prepare for graduation and college applications are being sent, students must begin to make several decisions about their futures. In addition to the all time favorite question, “What will be your major?” Students must also begin to consider questions such as, “How far away will be the college that you attend?” and “Where will you live?”
I lived at home during my entire college career. At times, I felt that this might have been a mistake. I missed out on many campus programs and activities. However I had many ties to my hometown and in the end, all worked out very well and I am pleased with my choice.
Many students are now opting to live at home during their freshmen year of college. Local junior colleges offer most basic freshman courses. Some studies show that living at home throughout your first year of college is a smart idea.
One study concluded that college freshmen who live at home with their parents did better on a mental health evaluation than those college freshmen who did not live with their parents. It was found, not to my surprise, that students who live with their parents receive more hours of rest than those who live in an apartment or dorm room. Students not living with their parents stay out later at night and wake later in the mornings. The study found that students living away from home lost more sleep with each year of college that they attend.
Students living alone had the poorest mental health. It was concluded that it was the lack of social interaction and the separation from their home that caused the decline in mental health.
No matter where you decide to live, college can be overwhelming. Remember to stay focused and well rested wherever you may be residing.
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