LIVING AT HOME AS A COLLEGE STUDENT

'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. '

Romans 12:2

Yes, you guys heard it right. I am a college student who lives at home with my parents. Ok technically I am only a freshman, and I have just begun my college years. But I still feel like I get a lot of surprised responses when I mention I still live at home.

A brief background about this is: I attend college at UNC Wilmington (whoop whoop Wilmington!!) which is in my hometown. Now, because I live in town, I could move onto campus or stay at my house. I chose to stay home to save some $$, also because I think I would have been home every weekend anyway.

When you mention this to other students, you get 1 of two reactions (I think).

You could get the surprised encouraging reaction: “Oh, you live at home? Well good for you!

Or the more negative questionable reaction: “Oh, you live at home? I could never, I needed to get out.”

I think nothing is wrong with either of these statements, yet I still find myself awkward when I hear both responses. Why is that?

We are told that our college years are the most changing years we have. It is when we start adulting, become independent, and have more responsibilities. With this, we have this expectation of what that may look like. Moving out, being on our own, paying for this and that, and not having parents down our backs.

Because I am at home still, it feels like I haven’t quite taken that step into the world where I am finally living independently on my own. But I think independence can be seen in different ways. Not just living on your own. Paying for Groceries, working, setting boundaries, managing your life, going to an appointment by yourself;) all participate in being independent. And this is how I was raised growing up.

Don’t get me wrong I want to be able to move out eventually when I am financially stable enough too, but until then, living at home hasn’t been a problem. Honestly, my parents would say I am rarely home. I am usually out for my whole day or I am in for the whole day. Sometimes, I’ll be back and forth.

I know what you’re thinking, “aren’t your parents down your back about your life?” Sure, they want to know what I am up to in my life, but most parents do, especially if their child is away at college. I don’t have a curfew, and I don’t have a reason they shouldn’t trust me. I respect them as they do me.

And, to be honest, my parents are like college students themselves. I see them on campus sometimes… They have busy lives, and sometimes when I am home, no one is here. We coexist in each other’s lives. They are practically my roommates.

But here are some things I’ve enjoyed while living at home in my first year of college. (other than not paying rent)

Being able to come home and talk to my parents about our days.

Having friends over to meet my parents.

Having the space to host.

Home-cooked meals.

Having help right down the hallway when I need it.

Never feeling alone in the place where I sleep.

The random funny mini-conversations we have in passing. (mainly with Dad)

The dogs:)

And so many other reasons.

So yes, I do live at home still. And even though I go home to my parents, I still live my life as I would in a college dorm. But something I want people to know that also still live with their parents is that it does not make you feel any lesser than, just because you still live with your parents. Take your time before you move out if you are given the option. Don’t do it out of peer pressure from the world, especially if you aren’t ready.

Some people move home after college. It happens and it shouldn’t be something people are embarrassed about.

And I am not.

So let me know if you want to meet my roommates:)

ALL THE BEST,

Lily