For a lot of students, part of college involves moving out and learning how to live on your own. Suddenly you’re responsible for laundry and figuring out what to make for dinner each night.

Ice cream is acceptable for breakfast because your mom isn’t there to tell you otherwise. But unlike most students, I don’t know what living away from home is like. I still go back to my childhood home at the end of the day and can count on my mom saving me a plate of food if I missed family dinner.

I don’t look at my situation and think I have it better than others. Sure, being a student who lives with her parents off campus has its perks. However, there are many occasions when I wish I lived on campus. I spend a majority of my time here anyway. After late nights of work or hanging out with my friends, a 15-minute drive home just doesn’t sound appealing. I know that if I ever needed to, I could stay at friends’ dorms or apartments. But I’m sure most people would agree that after a night out, coming home to your own bed is comforting.

People often ask me if I enjoy living at home, and I can honestly say yes. Some people say it’s better to live on your own to learn to be independent, which I understand. I know one reason many people are excited to move out is because they don’t see eye-to-eye with their parents. Although there are times I argue with my mom and dad over little things, I think we have a great relationship. They both understand what being a college student is like and aren’t too strict with their rules about going out to bars or parties. My mom always offers to pick me up. I don’t have a curfew, but I still have to check in with them. Both of my parents especially like to know where I’m going, and constantly tell me to “make smart choices.” I think even one day when I move out, my mom will still call to ask how I’m doing.

I’ve been told I need to live in a dorm to get the “real college experience,” but I disagree. As someone who has never lived in a dorm, I wouldn’t know every detail of what that life is like, but I don’t think I’m missing much.

I don’t think I’m cut out for dorm life. I haven’t had trouble meeting people on campus, and as for the food, I’m sure my mom’s homemade dinner is a lot better than what people get from the cafeteria. I’m not trying to sound overly-privileged, but sharing a bathroom with strangers really scares me, too. There will come a time when I move out and learn how to support myself as well as how to get along with roommates, but right now isn’t that time.

Even if I did live in a dorm or decided to live in a house or apartment with roommates, I wouldn’t be able to afford it right now. Yes, my parents still pay for a lot of things I need. I don’t have to worry about toilet paper or paying utility bills, but I’m expected to pay for the things I want.

And luckily, my mom will help me with my laundry when I get really stressed about school work. Most of my paychecks go toward paying for my new car, gas, insurance or other necessities. I would consider that pretty reasonable since I know some people who have a checkbook with their parent’s name on it and use it for shopping or food and not emergencies, like it’s intended for.

Some people might look down on me for choosing to live at home, some might even say it’s embarrassing. However, I’ve also met a fair share of people who tell me to live at home as long as I can because living on your own is a lot more stressful. Living at home definitely has benefits, and I’m not ashamed to say I still do. I know one day I will have to move on. It’s a part of growing up. But I’m just not ready to make that step yet.

Meagan Beck is a State News reporter. Reach her at mbeck@statenews.com.