Struggles Of An Out-Of-State Student
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Struggles Of An Out-Of-State Student

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Struggles Of An Out-Of-State Student

It is easy to understand why so many people from all over the country choose to attend the University of Oklahoma. The beautiful campus, insane football games, traditional Greek houses, and great academic programs are only a few of the many reasons why OU such a desirable college choice. However, if you are an out-of-state student, choosing to go to school so far away from home has positive and negative aspects. Sure, the positives undeniably outweigh the negatives, but every out-of-stater can relate to these struggles.      

Constantly being asked why you chose OU. You may think people will stop asking you this by the time you are a junior or senior. Unfortunately, they won't. As a senior, I still get asked every day. Even though these situations are monotonous and never-ending, they are a great conversation starter! Just make sure to hide the irritation in your voice. 

Not having a car. Tons of freshmen and sophomores don’t have cars here because no one wants to drive half way across the country, if it can possibly be avoided. I did not have a car my freshman year and the most basic tasks, like grocery shopping, became a struggle at times. Fortunately, being a member of the Greek community has its perks when you have pledge brothers or sisters who will drive you around or let you use their cars. Y’all are the real MVPs! 

Stuck in Oklahoma during long weekends. There is something about long weekends and Bye Weeks where everyone within driving distance from the university goes home, leaving Norman like a total ghost town. Those of us who are out-of-state can’t fly home for just a few days, so we are basically trapped here while everyone else leaves. On the plus side, it is a great excuse to get ahead on studying since there won’t be too many distractions! 

Adjusting to the bipolar weather. We all know Oklahoma has the strangest weather -- one minute it is 85 degrees and sunny, and the next minute it is pouring down rain. For those of us who are out-of-state, especially from the coasts, this is an extremely foreign concept. As much as this unpredictable weather is annoying, it is also makes Oklahoma unique and keeps things interesting, to say the least.      

Although going to school so far away from home has some downsides, there are so many positive aspects that surpass the negative ones. By always keeping what you love about OU in the back of your mind, you will never once regret choosing a school thousands of miles away from your hometown.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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