I'm from Wisconsin, and I go to college in Illinois. My drive is less than two hours, and I personally think my school is the perfect distance for me. It's not too far away, but far enough.
I thought of my Top 10 reasons why I think this is true, and if you go to a moderately distanced school like I do, then you can probably relate to these too.
1. I get to see my family.
I am super close with my family. When it came to choosing where I wanted to go to school, I knew I wanted to be able to see them every once in a while.
2. I get to not see my family.
As much as I love them, I don't think anyone can be quite as annoying as your family members can. It's nice to have my space while I'm at school.
3. Mom can still do my laundry.
Every single time I come home for a long weekend, it's with a trunk packed full of dirty laundry. It always comes back to school with me all clean and folded, thanks to my saint of a mother.
4. It's still a big deal when I come home and leave again.
Because I don't come home too frequently, there are always new stories to tell and to hear, and I'm still always greeted with excitement and hugs when I walk in.
5. I have my own life beyond my high school days.
Sometimes, going home feels like going to another dimension. Here, I have my own friends, my own room, my own hobbies and my own goals. My friends and I talk about different things than at home, and we do different things than at home. Moving away gave me a fresh start, so I've been able to focus on self-growth, rather than being stuck in my old days.
6. It's easier to keep in touch with my old friends.
When my friends are just a drive away, I can make a trip to visit them and see them in person, rather than just staying in touch over texting and social media. Sometimes it's nice to escape your life at college and catch up on what's going on in their lives.
7. I don't have to miss out on major events with friends and family.
Who wouldn't want to come home to make a sign like that for their sibling? I'm fortunate to have been able to make the trip home for most of my loved ones' birthdays, graduations and other important events.
8. I don't have to save up money or plan ahead to go home.
I don't usually go home unless it's for something important, but sometimes there is a random weekend or two, when I just need to sleep in my own bed, eat a home-cooked meal and see my dog.
9. My friends and I can visit each other at school.
I love having friends visit, and I love visiting my friends' schools too. Getting to experience life at another college, even if just for a day or two, is always fun.
10. I have to be independent.
Now that I'm in college, I have to make my own decisions and be responsible. No one else can make my choices for me. I find this to be very empowering and freeing, and it's prepping me for "the real world" once I graduate.
Whenever my friends ask me, "Why don't you come home more often since you're so close?" I think about how I love being on my own and having a life that's all mine. Having my space and freedom is the best, but it's still nice to have a little bit of home every once in a while when I need it. I'm far enough to make my own decisions and be an adult, but I'm close enough to get help from Mom, or to unwind by spending a day with my childhood best friend.