Academics, Friends, and Money: All of these areas normally consume the average student's time. The main reason students attend college is to learn and develop skills for their future careers, but they need money to pay for that, and their friends help make that journey less lonely and stressful. Most students prefer to live on campus for a variety of reasons, whether they are attending college away from home or simply want to get out and develop their social skills. Many other students, on the other hand, prefer to live off campus, if they live near the college or have other responsibilities. Although most students live on campus, the number of commuters is also high, which may prove that either option is able to meet the needs. Finances are a huge part of college because if you can't pay, you pretty much can't stay. College itself is expensive, with tuition, supplies, and books the money really adds up. Whether or not someone chooses to live on campus, there are pros and cons to both options. The cost of living on campus is quite high when added to the rest of college costs, but some students may receive scholarships to help pay if they choose this route. For others, they may need to find a job to be able to live on campus, but depending on where the university is located, finding employment on and off campus can be difficult. Usually, on-campus jobs are snapped up quickly due to high demand. Sometimes a student can find a job off campus, but they may not have reliable transportation since everything on campus is within walking distance. Additionally, due to the ease of access to social events, more money is spent on social outings. However, many students are able to find employment both on and off campus, and they are usually in control of their finances as well. Living off campus can also be expensive. A commuting student will likely use a lot of gas throughout a semester, and since everyone knows that gas prices aren't exactly cheap, this cost can really add up. Many commuter students choose to carpool or use public transportation to reduce these costs. On the other hand, it is often easier to find work because a commuter likely passes through a few towns to and from school, which can open up many opportunities. If someone is still in contact with their parents and pays minimal bills, their time in college is likely less expensive than someone who chooses to live alone. Regardless of the option chosen, each choice carries financial and