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Living at home helps save money

By Crystal Yakel

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Most people see college as an opportunity to fly the coop and live away from home. But for some that decision is a less-practical option, and they decide to live with their parents.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

McKayla Saunders, Overland Park junior, said she found it more economically efficient to live with her parents instead of on campus.

By living with her parents and riding the K-10 Connector back and forth from Overland Park, Saunders has saved money.

“It isn’t until you are on your own that you realize how much money really has to be spent on conveniences, such as the Internet, that are free when living at home,” she said.

She also said she appreciated knowing that where she lived with her parents was secure and a part of a safe neighborhood. Knowing the area you live in means no guessing on security and safety.

But Saunders admitted there were some downfalls to living at home.

“Your alone time is limited and there are still chores,” she said. “You are still being told to do stuff.”

Privacy can become an issue when living at home with family.

But many students decide to live somewhere other than home. Robert Rebori, Shawnee sophomore and resident of Lewis Hall, decided to trade in the comforts of home for greater freedom.

“I enjoy the independence of being at college because you get to set your own schedule and deal with your responsibilities without someone reminding you,” Rebori said.

Many students appreciate their increased privacy and freedom living on campus. Meg Swisshelm, Leavenworth freshman and resident of GSP-Corbin Hall, said that having the freedom to come and go without a curfew was a great advantage to living on campus.

Sovereignty from rule of parents is a nice change, but many students still face the difficulties of living with other people.

“You still have a roommate to get used to,” Rebori said. “You are used to your parents because you have lived with them your whole life, and now you have to deal with how your roommate is different from you and the family you were raised by.”

Many students wonder about their options when it is time to head off to college.

When college approaches, and each subsequent year of college comes there after, it’s important to look at all of the housing opportunities.

There’s a lot of options to think about when deciding to take that next big step in life. So consider them thoughtfully.

— — Edited by Susan Melgren

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