I am one of the millions of people who live at home while going to college. I am a senior and the last four/five years have been filled with people (including my own parents, and many administration members at my old high school) asking why I didn't just go away to school for the experience, or secretly judging me for making this decision. 96% of my high school went away to college, which was pressure enough.

Throughout college, I definitely had the FOMO of parties, social scene and friends. This extreme FOMO became a thing because being at home, the party scene is not as lively as it is when you go away to school, but I ended up making my own fun at home by making new friends. I realized after freshman year, that college is not ALL about the parties and the social scene, but about becoming a better me. I visited all my friends that go away to school as well! In the beginning, I even applied to transfer multiple times, but ended up staying at home, and three years later, I am glad that I did.

The reason I wanted to stay in my hometown for college is because I wanted to keep my job. Also, there are many more job opportunities in New York City, which is twenty minutes away. I was thinking about my future, which I got very lucky in doing because I have multiple amazing job opportunities now. There are new people in your hometown too, so there's no excuse to not make any friends!

I save tons of money living at home with my parents, I can drive my car anywhere at anytime, I get to see my dog everyday (what could really be better than that?!)

It's totally cool to go away to school, I'm not saying it's not, it just isn't me!

I'm kind of blabbing, but really just writing this article for seniors in high school who are applying for colleges or anyone who stayed home for college, don't be afraid or regret your decision.