On average, 19 percent of freshmen commuted or lived off campus in fall 2013, according to U.S. News data.

US News reports.

Weigh the Pros, Cons to Living at Home in College

Students should consider the type of school they’re attending, the cost of room and board and the price of commuting before deciding to live at home as a college student.

Picture the first day of college: unpacking extra-long twin sheets, unloading the mini fridge, meeting the roommate and pinning up that Bob Marley poster.

For many students, that classic college introduction doesn’t happen. Nearly one in five freshmen, on average, commuted or lived off campus in fall 2013, according to data reported to U.S. News by 245 ranked National Universities.

One tempting reason to forego the traditional dormitory experience is cost. At the 1,109 ranked colleges responding to an annual survey by U.S. News, room and board ran an average $9,999 in 2014-2015. Students who live at home may be able to save a sizable chunk of change.