When we first graduate high school, the appeal of living far away from home often sways our college decisions.
That’s why a semi-far-away state university was my decision – far, but just far enough that I can easily come home if needed. That 2-hour drive sounds so tempting when you just want to sleep in your own bed for a night.
Here are 11 blessings (or curses) that come along with going to school not-too-far away.
1. You can come home whenever you want
Miss your pet? Hop in the car and you’ll be home in a couple hours. Want a home cooked meal? The sweet taste of mom’s cooking is just one small road trip away. The possibilities are endless.
2. ...You can come home whenever you want
Having home and school become interwoven can sometimes work against you. Coming home so often can also lead to missing out on college life… parties, studying, hanging out with friends. It can quickly turn sour when you feel like you’re leading two separate lives.
3. Time management becomes your best friend
Juggling school and home can be difficult, but ultimately, when you have to think about what to pack, what work needs to get done before you leave, and everything else in between, you actually perfect your time management and productivity skills.
4. Sleeping in your own bed
Be honest. Do the Twin XL beds in the dorms really do it for you?
5. FOMO
While cozying up in your comfy bed at home before 10 pm on a Saturday, you get to watch everyone’s Snapchat stories of all the fun adventures you’re missing out on back at college. Yay.
6. Transportation troubles
All that wear and tear on the car and gas money can add up. Bus and train tickets aren’t particularly cheap, either.
7. Having time to contemplate all of life’s deepest issues
Those hours spent for transportation can be some of the most meaningful thinking and solitude time you can have. Turn on your music and look dramatically out your window. Pretend you’re in an angsty teen music video.
8. Packing
“Do I have that a home? Wait, gotta remember to bring that back. Ugh, I forgot all my laundry at school…”
9. Sustaining relationships at home
For me, all my favorite people live back home. Being able to see them whenever I please is a blessing that I sometimes take for granted. Your parents miss you more than you think.
10. Losing your independence
When you live so close to home, it's easy to hop on the next train to escape whatever is bugging you at school. Handling that home sickness and becoming an adult can be more difficult when the comfort of home is so close.
11. You actually get to know yourself better
Even though being close to home can lead to some issues, it leads to lots of self-discoveries as well. You find where you’re best fit and find the time for people who matter the most to you. You discover what schedules and course loads work best for you. And you get to do your laundry for free more than anyone else.
So, unlike your friends who moved across the country for college, or the ones who stayed home, you get the best of both worlds. Be proud of being a weekend warrior!
