For some GCSU students, the weekend means packing up and heading home. As they are eager to reunite with family, pets or just in need of a change of pace. For others, however, home is a distant thought, as they choose to stay in Milledgeville, driven by work obligations or a desire to embrace campus life.
The frequency with which students make the trip home reflects personal reasons that range from seeking comfort to prioritizing independence.
“Being home is nice because I get to spend quality time with people I miss,” said Emily Benyak, sophomore nursing major. “I go home every few weekends to spend time with family and friends. It’s also a mental break/reset point that I enjoy at times.”
For many students, visiting home provides both emotional comfort and a chance to recharge. For others, going home is simply part of a routine on their college journey.
“I live at home and commute for school,” said Juliana Simmons, sophomore mass communication major. “I honestly decided to live at home because it was way less stressful for me. I get to sleep in my own bed, I get to be with my cat and my boyfriend and friends are all just down the road.”
In contrast to how students use going home as a reset point or time to unwind from the bustling college life full of activities, some students find that staying in Milledgeville’s charming atmosphere gives them time to unwind.
“The best part of being here on campus is that I feel pretty much like I’m home here,” said Celia Hastings, freshman political science major. “I have created a routine and made some great friends who have made being homesick not so frequent.”
“I like having a routine and being independent when staying in Milledgeville, it gives me a sense of freedom,” said Emma Gregory, junior art major.
The decision to stay on campus is often influenced by internships, research opportunities or part-time jobs that require students’ attention. For some, traveling home is a luxury they simply cannot afford, while for others, it’s a choice to maintain a steady routine.
“The best part [about living at home] for me is that I’m so close to my boyfriend/best friend,” said Simmons. “I get so easily stressed out, and he’s one of the only people who can help with that. So it makes my life easier for him to be right there with me.”
In addition to balancing work and academics, students often find that staying on campus helps them stay connected to the social and extracurricular aspects of college life. Milledgeville offers a close-knit community where students can engage in campus activities, participate in clubs or simply enjoy the local atmosphere without the pull of home disrupting their college experience.
“I haven’t even been here a full semester and I’ve gone home twice, so I’ll say on average 5-6 times a year,” says Audrey Sercer, freshman marketing major. “The best thing about being home is sleeping in my bed and eating home-cooked meals. The best thing about being at school is having things to do and seeing my friends. I try to stay as much as I can because I feel left out from college social life when I go home, and I get bored when I’m home.”
As students navigate their college years, the decision to go home or stay on campus remains deeply personal, shaped by their individual needs, circumstances and preferences. Whether home is a place of comfort or an occasional retreat, each student’s approach reflects a different facet of the college experience—one that balances independence, support and the pursuit of personal growth.
