Introduction
The college phase is one of the most significant phases in the academic career of a student. Not only does education matter, but the lifestyle that a student leads also becomes an important factor in making him or her who he/she will become in the future. In general, there are two main types of lifestyles followed by students—hostel and day scholar life.
Both lifestyles have certain benefits as well as disadvantages, which need to be understood.
Importance of Hostel Life and Day Scholar Life
Importance of Hostel Life:
Hostel life is where the students stay within the college premises or in the hostel near the college campus. In other words, they stay away from their families.
Importance of Day Scholar Life:
Day scholars study in colleges daily from their own houses, return home, and spend time with their families.
Different Routine
Both kinds have a very distinct routine.
The routine of the hostelers will be made according to what is there in the hostel, which is either set or partially set and includes a specific time for food, study, and even a curfew. While they don’t have to spend much time traveling, they need to look after their routine.
The Day Scholars have to travel everyday, which is also very time-consuming for them, but they remain flexible.
Example:
While the hostelers can utilize that extra time for studies and make new friends, the Day Scholars can utilize that time to commute to the school and vice versa.
Independence Vs. Comfort
The following important distinction between these two categories of students is related to independence and comfort.
Living in Hostels:
- Helps students develop independence
- Helps them learn how to handle money and other aspects of life
- Improves their decision-making abilities
Living in the Homes of Day Scholars:
- Offers them safety and comfort
- Support from families will be readily available at all times
- Less engaged in household tasks
Whereas living in hostels helps in developing independence, the former provides safety and comfort.
Social Life and Friends
Socialization is better in the hostels.
Hostellers:
- Develop great bonds because of social interaction all the time
- Undergo collective living and bonding
- Engage themselves in late night discussions and recreational activities
Day scholars:
- Also develop bonds but have very little time post college
- May lose out on certain bonding sessions
- The social life is dependent on the college timetable alone
The bonds developed in the hostels tend to be long lasting because of the experiences.
Academic Setting
The two lifestyle types will influence the achievements in the academic setting differently.
Hostel Life Style:
- Group discussions can take place.
- Peer coaching enables understanding of ideas.
- Distractions can result from noise and socializing.
Day Boarding Life Style:
- The home setting is suitable for studying.
- Advice from the family could come in handy.
- Inability to interact with peers results from lack of contact with them.
Involvement in Co-Curricular Activities
Hostlers:
- Involved in many co-curricular activities
- Availability of co-curricular activities held in colleges
- Involvement in co-curricular activities during the night
Day scholars:
- The time required to travel to college could influence their involvement in co-curricular activities
- Not able to participate in co-curricular activities that take place in the evenings
Thus, hostel life offers more opportunities for self-growth.
Financial Factors
Once again, financial factors are highly important.
Case of Hostel:
- There are expenses such as hostel charges, food costs, and others that may apply.
- These may be expensive depending on the facilities offered.
Case of Day Boarding:
- There are no expenses to take care of concerning the hostel.
- Only transport charges will be considered here.
Financial factors assume great importance for some parents.
Food and Lifestyle
Hostel Residents:
- Diet is based on the meals provided at the hostel
- Choices are limited and the schedule is highly rigid
- Sometimes experience difficulties with the standard of the provided meals
Day Students:
- Prepare their meals at home
- Assurance of nutritious food and good hygiene
- Flexibility with respect to mealtimes
Disciplines and Restrains
Boarding students:
- Management of time, being punctual, and other rules
- Restrains will bring about freedom
- Discipline can be practiced without much difficulty
Day scholars:
- There will not be many restrains for them
- Restrains to freedom depend on their family background
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
Boarders:
- May experience feelings of homesickness at first
- Develop into emotionally robust individuals
- Acquire the ability to deal with problems independently
Day Students:
- Maintain emotional ties with their families
- Face less stress owing to their familiar surroundings
- Have prompt access to support when times are tough
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths of Hostelling
- Promotes independence and develops
- Healthy interpersonal relations
- More chances
- Convenience (no travel required)
Weaknesses of Hostelling
- Feeling homesick
- Lack of privacy
- Problems related to nutrition and hygiene
- Distractions
Strengths of Day Scholar
- Acquainted with the environment
- Well-nourished and healthy
- Emotionally stable
- Cost-effective
Weaknesses of Day Scholar
- Inefficient time management because of the journey
- Insufficient socialization
Which Is Better?
None of the two can be called better than the other, as ultimately it all boils down to the person concerned.
Students who value freedom and action will prefer staying in the hostels. Alternatively, students who like peace and home atmosphere should become day scholars. The important thing to note here is that this choice must be utilized properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can it be assumed that the students have developed their personalities as a result of residing in the hostel?
Yes, as they will gain independence and socialize with other people.
2. Can it be claimed that the day scholars are more scholarly than the hostelers?
No, as it is the dedication and proper studying techniques that help one excel academically. The benefit of the day scholars is that they learn from the comfort of their homes.
3. What should the hostelers do to fight loneliness?
They should join various activities and stay in touch with their parents.
4. Will the day scholars be able to enjoy college life?
Yes, but only if they participate in the various activities offered in college.
5. Who leads a better life?
The day scholars, as they do not spend money on accommodation and messing.
Conclusion
However, there is no doubt that both hostel residence and boarding schools have advantages with respect to growth, either personal or professional. At institutions like Biyani Group of Colleges, students get the opportunity to experience both lifestyles in a balanced and supportive environment.
In any case, the success depends on whether or not the individual makes use of the opportunities availed of. Irrespective of whether or not one opts for the above, success and happiness are inevitable if one makes full use of them.
Author:
Dr. Surbhi Mittal
Assistant Professor,Department of Commerce & Management
Biyani Group of Colleges,Jaipur