Dorm Living for First-Year Students Gets an A+

The first year of college, for many, is not only a time for intellectual growth and societal discovery, but also a vital time for personal development. Each spring, as high school seniors and their parents decide on which college or university to attend come fall, parents and future students should take a few moments to evaluate the on-campus living arrangements and the many benefits a student will experience by living on campus their first year away from home.

Convenience and cost-cutting are two major aspects of on-campus living that make it a good choice. Whether the student received scholarships or grants, learning to make smart budget choices during this first year will pay dividends in the years to come. Also, discount retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and Family Dollar are often found in the close vicinity of many state universities. Students can develop into resourceful, budget-conscious adults by shopping smart at stores like these. As a parent, consider regularly sending coupons clipped from the Sunday paper, either in the mail or when dropping off a casserole and some Care-Package items picked up from the local CostCo or BJs.

While living on-campus makes it very easy for a freshman student to simply tumble out of bed, through the library, and into class in their pajamas, freshmen will also have more opportunities to engage in a number of events, games, and socials by living on-campus. Fraternity and Sorority Rush Week is a wonderful time for all students interested in Greek Life to engage in. Class study groups will also take place mostly on-campus, and study groups are a brilliant way for students to review materials and prepare for exams. Freshmen residing in the dorms will also discover that many of the other first-year residents are in the same classes, which often leads to formation of successful study groups.

Students living on campus can also seek out part-time employment through on-campus Work-Study programs. Work-Study programs can be applied for through the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The convenience of living close to everything one has to do in a day is something that can hardly be put into words.

For a student's first year living away from the comforts of home, a parent will be reassured by knowing that all of the things their student needs to blossom into a well-rounded, intelligent member of society are only a short stroll away. College is a wonderful time for growth and self-discovery, and for First-Year students making the dorms their home will be an amazing experience that they will carry with them along their journey through life.