Title: Stay home and save money vs move back near USF for junior year?
I’m entering my junior year at USF and trying to decide between two clear options.
Quick background: I started at USF my freshman year, then transferred to a community college after one semester because I wanted to take the CC route. I’ve now completed my AA and I’m transferring back to finish my degree in Information Science (Health Informatics).
I live about 3 hours away from campus, and I was told my degree can be completed fully online, so I don’t have to move back.
Financially, I have about $13k saved right now, and I’ll be working full-time this summer.
Here are my two options:
Option 1: Stay home
- Save money and keep building my savings
- Possibly work full-time or close to it
- Do my degree fully online
- Less independence / fewer campus connections
Option 2: Move near USF (Tampa)
- Get an affordable apartment and be closer to campus
- More independence and “college experience”
- Better access to networking, internships, and opportunities
- Higher expenses (rent, utilities, etc.)
I’m torn because staying home seems like the smarter financial decision, but moving might help me grow more and open up opportunities.
TL;DR: I can finish my degree online. Should I stay home and save money, or move near USF for independence and more opportunities?