Whether you want to save money, stay local, or earn your degree faster, there are many perks that come with attending a community college. Even though there may be a stigma against community colleges in comparison to other schools, especially Ivy-league schools, many community colleges are great at increasing access to education in a variety of communities, especially vulnerable communities. Some people even use them as a way to build up credit hours before transferring to a larger university, or as an alternative if they didn’t receive any acceptance letters.
If you’re considering community college, there are some things you should keep in mind. You might not have to do as much planning as you would if you moved across the country to a four-year university, but there are still some considerations that will make the collegiate experience better for you. You might want to stay local or choose an out-of-state college, or you might want to be fully remote with your education. Whatever you decide, don’t assume that you should dive into community college without strategizing first.
Let’s dig into some of those considerations so you can stay informed and feel prepared as you step into this next chapter of your life. Preparing yourself now will help you decide whether community college is really right for you, or if you should consider a different option.
Where to Live
It’s not uncommon for students to choose a community college because it’s close to home. If you can earn your degree while still living with your family or renting a nearby apartment, you’ll save a lot of money on room and board costs. Most public community colleges still cost over $5,000 per year for in-state residents, so saving money on housing can make a big difference if you’re on a budget.
However, if you want to live on campus, many community colleges offer that option. In fact, 28% of community colleges have housing options available. While it might cost a bit more to live on campus, you’ll save money on gas and won’t have to worry about commuting. You’ll also be more immersed in the college experience, and won’t have to rush from class to class every day when you can just go back to your dorm and relax for a while.
Whether you decide to move on campus or get your own apartment away from home, it can help to plan ahead. Use some of the following considerations to make your moving experience as stress-free as possible:
- Develop a moving strategy;
- Look over your finances;
- Get the right packing supplies;
- Get rid of things you don’t need/want.
Obviously, there are pros and cons when it comes to living on campus or away from home. It’s up to you to weigh them out and determine your priorities when it comes to where you want to stay.
Your Schedule
One of the biggest benefits of community colleges is that they often allow for a more flexible schedule than traditional four-year universities. That can be helpful for people in a variety of situations who still want to get a degree but can’t afford to take time away from home or deal with an overloaded class schedule every day.
Maybe you’re going back to school for the first time in years and you have a family to take care of. Community college’s flexibility allows you to be home every day and spend time with your family while still getting in your classwork. Some colleges even have specific evening classes so you can wait until your spouse or partner gets home to take care of the kids, and still make it to class.
The flexible schedules of community colleges can also help people who are working full-time or part-time jobs. If you’re trying to get a degree to improve your career or start a new path, there’s no reason you should have to completely give up your current livelihood while doing it.
Nowadays, many community colleges even offer online or hybrid courses, so you can do most of the work online and still obtain your degree. If you’ve been on the fence about applying for a community college, look at a course catalog and determine how you can make it work with your schedule.
Your Carbon Footprint
Living on campus can cut down on your driving time, automatically reducing your environmental impact. You might be able to commute using public transportation, carpooling with a friend, or even riding a bicycle. All of those actions will cut back on your carbon footprint and might inspire you to take other positive planetary actions on campus and at home.
It’s more important than ever for everyone to take responsibility for their actions and do their part to protect the planet. With climate change, extreme waste, and polluted oceans wreaking havoc across the globe, it should come as no surprise that many people are trying to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint and fight back against some of these environmental issues.
Because sustainability has become such an important thing across the world, many campuses have made adjustments and upgrades that are more sustainable and socially responsible. If you have more than one campus to consider, look for administrations that prioritize things like:
- Recycling;
- Waste reduction;
- Energy efficiency;
- Water conservation;
- Local ecosystem conservation.
It can also make your decision easier if you look into campuses with alternative energy options or those that have specific environmental programs designed for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re trying to decide whether community college is right for you. These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully, they can get your wheels turning and help you understand what you should be looking for in a local college. Don’t hesitate to add to these strategies and “customize” your list of things you should consider. At the end of the day, furthering your education is always a good thing. However, it needs to be on your terms and in a place that fits your needs and wants while helping you achieve your goals.
By Katie Brenneman – Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.
