Study Guides/Dictionary/Day Scholar — Meaning, Difference from Hosteller
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Day Scholar — Meaning, Difference from Hosteller, Advantages and Disadvantages

A day scholar is a student who attends a school or college during the daytime for classes and then returns to their own home, instead of staying in a hostel. The word combines 'day' (because the student comes only for the day) and 'scholar' (a student). A day scholar is the opposite of a hosteller (also called a boarder or resident), who lives in the hostel of the institution. Day scholars usually live with their families nearby and travel to the institution every day.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the meaning of day scholar?

Answer

A day scholar is a student who attends school or college during the daytime for classes and then returns to their own home, instead of living in the institution's hostel. The word 'scholar' here simply means a student. Day scholars usually live with their families and travel to the institution every day.

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Key Facts

A day scholar is a student who attends classes during the day and returns home.

A day scholar does not stay in the hostel; a hosteller (boarder) does.

The word 'scholar' here simply means a student, not a scholarship holder.

Day scholars usually live with their families and commute daily.

Day scholars save on hostel and mess fees.

Hostellers tend to become more independent and self-reliant.

The opposite of a day scholar is a hosteller, boarder or resident student.

Meaning of Day Scholar

A day scholar is a student who: • Comes to school or college only during class hours • Returns to their own home after classes • Does not stay in the institution's hostel • Usually lives with their family and commutes daily

The term is most often used in schools, colleges and coaching institutes that offer hostel (boarding) facilities. Students there are divided into two groups — day scholars (who go home daily) and hostellers/boarders (who live on the campus). The word 'scholar' here simply means a student, not a student who has won a scholarship.

Difference Between Day Scholar and Hosteller

Day Scholar: • Lives at home with family • Travels to the institution every day • Returns home after classes • Spends more time with family • Saves hostel and mess fees

Hosteller (Boarder/Resident): • Lives in the hostel on or near the campus • Stays in the institution throughout the term • Has fixed hostel timings and rules • Becomes more independent and self-reliant • Pays hostel and mess charges

In short, the key difference is where the student stays: a day scholar stays at home and commutes, while a hosteller lives in the hostel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Day Scholar

Advantages:

  1. Stays close to family, with family care, food and emotional support
  2. Saves money on hostel and mess fees
  3. More freedom and comfort of home
  4. Can study in a familiar home environment

Disadvantages:

  1. Time and energy spent on daily travel
  2. May miss out on campus activities and group study held in the evenings
  3. Less practice in becoming independent and self-reliant
  4. Travel can be affected by weather, traffic or distance

Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of day scholar?+

A day scholar is a student who attends school or college during the daytime for classes and then returns to their own home, instead of living in the institution's hostel. The word 'scholar' here simply means a student. Day scholars usually live with their families and travel to the institution every day.

What is the difference between a day scholar and a hosteller?+

The main difference is where the student stays. A day scholar lives at home and commutes to the institution every day, returning home after classes. A hosteller (also called a boarder or resident) lives in the hostel on or near the campus throughout the term. Day scholars save hostel fees, while hostellers become more independent.

Does 'scholar' in day scholar mean a scholarship student?+

No. In the term 'day scholar', the word 'scholar' simply means a student. It has nothing to do with winning a scholarship. A day scholar is just a student who comes to the institution for the day and goes back home, as opposed to one who stays in the hostel.

What are the advantages of being a day scholar?+

A day scholar stays close to family and gets home food, care and emotional support, saves money on hostel and mess fees, enjoys the comfort and freedom of home, and can study in a familiar environment. The main drawback is the time and energy spent travelling to the institution every day.

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