At this time in the year, seniors all over are planning for their college futures. Whether it’s applying to dream schools, finding the money to pay for said school, figuring out if they are going to commute or not, or deciding what they want to study, it’s a lengthy, difficult, and stressful task. This makes you wonder, what are your plans for the future? Or do you even have a clue? There’s an extensive list of things to do. Many students will choose between a few or maybe even one school to attend in the fall or spring after their senior year and others will decide to attend a local community college for the first two years and then attend a university for the remaining two. Doing so will help with money situations and or deciding what they want to study for their careers in the distant future.

When deciding on colleges, school is expensive and money is tight. The two do not mix well for parents and students alike. Most students say that they want to attend a school outside of their state to get away from their parents and live on their own to ready for what life is like. Although this is a good idea, staying in state is much less expensive and more beneficial for the student. The average room and board for an in state student is around $10,000 a year. Out of state us around $40,000. Do the math. Having family close nearby will not only save them money but it’s beneficial for the student in many ways. Staying close to parents can save money for students on expenses like meals and supplies but also can be helpful for stressful times when you just need someone there for you.

Staying close to home brings me to my next topic: deciding whether to commute or not. Commuting from school to home and back every weekend or even every day can be expensive for most students who have to pay for gas out of pocket. But as I said, not having to pay for meals and other expenses when living at home can give a student some money to burn for gas and other college necessities. Commuting is what most first year students decide on doing, but are they missing out of what college has to offer?

There are many pros and cons on this topic. One con is a student could be more tired commuting to school than a student living on campus. Getting to school and going to class is hard enough not to mention the fact one has to wake up earlier than they have to to drive to school then go right to class with or without breakfast. One pro on the topic is your parents are always there for you when you need them. Students hate studying and usually blow it off but who makes them do it? Mom. Having your mother around you will most likely increase your grades by her making you study and do your work every night just like high school. So students are torn until they figure it out.

Another thing students need to figure out is what they plan on studying when the time comes. A lot of students tend to study what they decide they want to study in college in high school to get a jump start on the topic. In college, students can either major in two fields, have a major and a minor, major in on field, or even create your own major. At most four year schools, students don’t pick their majors until the end of their sophomore year. This gives them plenty of time to decide what they want to do. Even if you pick your major and you don’t like it, don’t worry. Many students choose a major and then switch it soon after. Even students who are positive in what they want to major in do this. Take your time and really study on what you want to do, it can save your future.

In conclusion, college is scary and preparing for it is hard and there are many factors in deciding. Do not rush yourself into it. Do your research and when you do find out what you want to do, make your dreams a reality.