General

The 3-4 hours gap between classes...?

I have to live on campus, which makes up all of my loans; my home is 3 hours away from school. So I would say that if you want to graduate with almost no loans, don't live on campus. The issue with my campus is that parking is very hard to find for free. But I think overall, it will still be less than living on campus. Some people say they like to live on campus for the experience, but in all honesty, if you want to party in the dorms or something on campus, you'll just drive. I think in the end, it's not a huge factor. It does help to meet new people, but you can also meet people in other ways.

Edit: I just want to say that if you do want a social experience, there are other ways to socialize. Join an organization, find an intramural, join a cause.

2nd Edit: So if you do have a class that are 3-4 hours apart, you might be able to nap in the library. I don't think this is very uncommon. You can also use that time to study/catch up on a course. Bathrooms just depends on your floor. If you live in a floor full of d-bags, it's going to suck.

[quote=xreminiscing]Learning in college takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. Dorming is a great way for students to learn how to socially interact with peers, how to live with others and respect their space, what it's like to be independent and how to manage it, and so much more. When you're bonding with a group of strangers that are just like you but also different in so many ways at 4 AM, you also learn a thing or two about yourself.

@OP Many people would probably agree that you should dorm for at least a year. It definitely is a great way to meet friends. After all, you're going to be living with hundreds of people your age 24/7. Living in the dorms for longer than a year is excessive and most people find different living arrangements by their second year.[/quote]

I'll definitely consider this! Thanks.

[quote=pluckyoureyes]Honestly, the "college dorm experience" is over-hyped. Save yourself thousands of dollars per year by commuting, and just stay on campus when you have gaps between classes. You can hang out at a library, friends, food places, etc during those gaps. You'll thank yourself after you graduate by seeing how much money you saved.

I recommend this because it's the most practical option. 20 minute commute is very favorable; many people who work have to commute longer than 20 minutes to get to their workplace. Even with traffic, it's doubtful that the commute would overly strain you.

Don't forget why you're going to college. If you're going for "fun", then do whatever you want and dorm there. But if you're going to get an education and improve your chances of getting a nice-paying white collar job, then you're going to want to save as much money as you can and still get that diploma.[/quote]
Learning in college takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. Dorming is a great way for students to learn how to socially interact with peers, how to live with others and respect their space, what it's like to be independent and how to manage it, and so much more. When you're bonding with a group of strangers that are just like you but also different in so many ways at 4 AM, you also learn a thing or two about yourself.

@OP Many people would probably agree that you should dorm for at least a year. It definitely is a great way to meet friends. After all, you're going to be living with hundreds of people your age 24/7. Living in the dorms for longer than a year is excessive and most people find different living arrangements by their second year.

Thanks for the advice, guys. Yeah if I dorm, it'll only be for one year. I heard that living in a dorm is a great way of making friends.

[quote=pluckyoureyes]Honestly, the "college dorm experience" is over-hyped. Save yourself thousands of dollars per year by commuting, and just stay on campus when you have gaps between classes. You can hang out at a library, friends, food places, etc during those gaps. You'll thank yourself after you graduate by seeing how much money you saved.[/quote]

I agree.. I recommend you to live in dorms for maybe 1 year at the most and commute the other 3 years. I've lived in dorms for almost 4 years now and while it was definitely fun at the beginning, I find that the amount of money I'm spending is too much. I go to my friends' house on the weekends sometimes and their parents would prepare a home cooked meal and I miss good food so much. The amount I'm spending towards dorms could go towards something I really want like travel to other countries. Unfortunately I don't have any other alternatives because my parents live in a difference province and I really wanted to go to my school.

Honestly, the "college dorm experience" is over-hyped. Save yourself thousands of dollars per year by commuting, and just stay on campus when you have gaps between classes. You can hang out at a library, friends, food places, etc during those gaps. You'll thank yourself after you graduate by seeing how much money you saved.

I recommend this because it's the most practical option. 20 minute commute is very favorable; many people who work have to commute longer than 20 minutes to get to their workplace. Even with traffic, it's doubtful that the commute would overly strain you.

Don't forget why you're going to college. If you're going for "fun", then do whatever you want and dorm there. But if you're going to get an education and improve your chances of getting a nice-paying white collar job, then you're going to want to save as much money as you can and still get that diploma.

commute. far too expensive and a total rip off especially at UW.

Definitely dorm. It's an integral part of the college experience. Pony up the extra cash (take out a loan if you have to), and immerse yourself in an absolutely great time.

Dorming is really fun and gives you the "full college experience". Many of my most memorable moments took place in the dorms. I highly recommend it.

Or maybe you can apply to be an RA which pays for your dorms and part of your food.

I just go to the library during my breaks.

Live in the dorms. It's awesome. All of your friends are a few steps away, you have your own place to bring chicks to, you don't have to cook because usually the school makes you get a dining plan, you can just drink and chill whenever you'd like, you can always go back to your room and nap during the day, you're around school 24/7 so you never have to worry about anything academic. Trust me, it's worth it. It's even better if you have a car so you can throw all of your carless friends in the trunk and go to parties, lazer tag, hookah lounges, etc.

Living in a dorm seems super irritating to me. Remember that you have nothing to yourself. You share a room, bathroom, etc. I'm glad I commute. If I were you, I would commute only if you had a car of your own.

I also like whenever I have breaks between classes. It's a good time to be productive.

I would bus to save money because schools usually have subsidized bus passes. Cheaper than paying for insurance + gas.

I would just go to the library during break and study.

Is this your first year? If it is, I would suggest to atleast live in dorms for your first year so you get that experience of being on your own. After your first year you can commute and start looking for an apartment. That's what I plan on doing You also get a chance to meet new people. My sister did this and she loved it!