During this covid-quarantine fiasco of uncertainty, there have been so many fears regarding the return to college for students. I personally chose (at the last minute, like every decision in my life) to stay home. I felt that I was acting responsibly and like an adult. I had just started a new job, I was living with my parents, and none of my classes would be taught in person. But as time went on and felt frozen at the same time, I started to think it over and wanted to go back to college, and here are some things that have been on my mind:
1. Money
(pro) If your parents realize how much they’ve missed being parents, there is usually a high chance of living at home RENT FREE! Plus, they buy groceries and sometimes other things you may need or want.
(con) Unless you are making bank or have gracious parents who are willing to pay your rent, you have to consider how you will budget your money. You probably aren’t going to be able to sustain the same lifestyle you are used to because you’ll have more responsibilities.
2. Social Life
(pro) If you like your parents and/or siblings and they don’t drive you totally insane, there’s always someone to talk to. You may even have friends who choose to stay as well. You also can get out of the stranger/roomie situation or avoid instances of confrontations with your roommates.
(con) If you’re like me, and most of your friends went back to college, life back in your home town can be kind of boring. You might find yourself just going to the grocery store, grabbing food, going to work, or just staying at home all the time. That can get a little sad after a while.
3. Things To Do
(pro) This definitely depends on where you are from and goes along with the social life aspect. It is what you make of it, as long as you do whatever you like to do in a covid-safe way.
(con) There may not be a lot to do where you are from compared to your college town. Your friend groups and dynamics have changed since high school. Also, take into account that there may be some missed opportunities for social networking, clubs, and organizations that are offered at your campus rather than through Zoom.
I am indeed not qualified to give any advice. All of these pros and cons have accumulated from the advice I received from my friends and family regarding my own decisions. I still haven’t even decided what I want to do. Either way, the college experience will be unique. No one knows what the future holds, and this may or may not be the perfect time for you to leave the nest behind. No judgment here! All I know is that times are insane. You have to do what is best for you, your health, and others’ safety.