When we go to college, we often get our first taste of independence. Our parents often pay for our schooling and help with some expenses, but we’re responsible for coming up with spending money and taking care of our living quarters. It can be a bit of a rude awakening, but it’s also good practice for when we are truly out on our own.

When college is over, some students move into their own off-campus apartment or house. But not everyone goes that route. Some move back in with their parents.

Is moving back in with your parents right for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros

* Our parents are often willing to let us stay for free, or for very low rent. This is great for those who have student loans to make payments on. And if you have yet to find a job in your field, moving back in with your parents will help you save money until you do.

* You won’t have to take care of a whole apartment or house by yourself. It’s standard procedure for adult children who move back in to take on some chores and responsibilities around the house. But they’re rarely responsible for doing everything themselves.

* It can be comforting being around family again. During college, we may not see those we care about as much as we’d like to. Moving back in with the parents can be comforting to everyone involved.

Cons

* Some children just can’t get along with their parents. Overprotective parents may insist on setting curfews and otherwise having a degree of control over your life, even though you are an adult. It is their home, and therefore they have the final say. If you can’t come to an agreement on such issues, living with the parents can be very difficult.

* Living arrangements like this often cause disputes over money or chores. You might feel that you’re paying too much rent, or your parents might think you should pay more on the bills. Things like these can cause a rift between parent and child that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

* It may be harder to entertain when you live with your parents. Unless you have a section of the home to yourself (such as the basement), it could be awkward having people over. This depends largely on the type of relationship you have with your parents.

For some college graduates, moving back in with their parents is a no-brainer. For others, it’s an absolute last resort. If you’re thinking about moving back in with your parents, it’s important to consider the implications carefully. If you sit down and talk with them about what each of you expect, you can often come to an agreement and get along nicely.