Trust me, I grew up in the same town where I also attend school. Well, just across the river. Anyway, after getting through the second round of "icebreakers" in classes; I was tired of being somewhat ridiculed for staying home for school. Being a Townie is not something to be ashamed of. Some people really just love their hometowns and others do not have the means to explore elsewhere just yet. Aside from saving money, staying close to home for school can prove to be beneficial. Growing up in the hustle and bustle of a college town allows a kid to experience a variety of differences in the world before they are thrown into it.

When you come to college you already know where everything and anything is that you could possibly need.

Growing up in the area meant that these were the streets you learned to drive on. Campus was the cool hangout for all of your friends. Basically, you become the go-to for all town and campus events. You've practically been training for this your entire life.

A MAJOR perk is having all the athletic events just a few minutes away.

Secondly, college athletics. Due to your close proximity to campus, many college athletic events are just a few minutes away. Whether your team is having a phenomenal season or things are rather rough, growing up to major athletic events is an amazing experience all on its own. You get immersed in the life of Game Day early on and can participate in all kinds of kid clubs and special organizations meant for the youth of the community.

Your family is always nearby which is comforting when you want some time away from campus.

Not only does a Townie have the benefit of feeling at home in the chaos that is college, but they also have the comfort of having family nearby. Before anyone goes onto bashing living close to your parents it has some MAJOR perks! I totally get it, you want to be your own person and get away from your "childhood". That was and still is me, but now I can appreciate having my family so close. One of the many benefits is the ability to have home-cooked meals whenever you so desire. Your family misses you and will most likely love to have you over for dinner every now and then. Maybe even weekly. Another positive is FREE LAUNDRY! Not only can you do laundry for free, but you might also be able to get some help with it if you've been a nice human being. The last and best perk of having family nearby is definitely having someone to turn to if the stress gets to you. A quick text to your mom to set up a short lunch or meetup can be the perfect cure to an overwhelming schedule in the world of "newly adulting".

Even though being a Townie can score you some degrading comments, there are immense benefits. Just because you haven't left home yet, doesn't mean you won't get to where you want to be in life.