Live on Campus or Commute?

Jarrod Darnall: A year and a half at an internship is plenty of time. You say you're learning a lot, but after a year and a half it's likely you will have learned much of what you're going to learn. Most likley you can get another internship in Bloomington, and as a junior or senior you'll get your pick of them.If you can afford to be a residential student, you'll get a much richer college experience --- instead of being there 2-3 days a week you'll be there 7 days. More time to study (no commuting in your car), it's easier to find study groups and go for extra help or get into a student Finance club or something. Plus being a residential student is a way to start living on your own without living totally on your own.My strong advice is go residential if you can. Get another internship/job in Bloomington....Show more

Benny Stehno: At some point, you're going to have to leave the nest. And you absolutely have to learn how to live with other people, besides your ! parents and siblings (if you have any). It's a very important life skill to have. You should try to live away from home. You don't even have to live in the dormitories if you're worried about the cost. I'm sure you can find an off-campus apartment that caters to students. I have 2 or 3 in the area where I go to school. You can use your financial aid money to pay rent if it comes to that. Plus, paying rent will help to establish your credit. Everyone I know who works at the college I go to says that living on campus is an important part of being a student. When you lie on campus, you make the "freshmen 15" - you meet 15 or so new people within a short amount of time who have a good shot at becoming your new group of close friends. Making connections with others when you're in your first year is incredibly important....Show more

Ervin Laeger: I would keep your internship if you can. When you graduate from the University of Illinois, and decide to look for a job, the in! ternship will be substantial experience in the finance field. ! (thus it's a great thing to have on your resume!) I think the commute is worth it...