As an out-of-state student, I have learned that there are many struggles I will have to deal with for the duration of my time at college. Some of them I’ve learned to get used to and others not so much. With that being said, here are some of my favorites:
1. Having to pack everything you need for long durations of time into suitcases
Trying not to exceed the weight limit is extremely difficult. We out-of-staters are usually pros at packing because we have truly learned what it means to master the talent of “packing light.” There also usually lies the problem of us then having to find a place to store our suitcases.
2. Not having a car
Driving a car back and forth is just not worth it for us out-of-state students. We have learned to rely on our friends to take us places in order to avoid the extremely long road trips to and from home.
3. Having to answer everyone when they ask you where you’re from and why you chose to go that school
“Wait you’re from where?” “What the heck are you doing all the way over here?” and “What made you want to come to this school?” are just a few of the questions I find myself answering on a daily basis. We have had to answer these questions so much that we have developed a mental script with the lines ready to recite on cue to any of the beginning questions.
4. Long travel back home
Traveling for a lot of us often takes almost an entire day. We’re pros at knowing the proper routines and procedures at airports to the extent that it has become second nature to us.
5. Not being able to go home on long weekends
Watching all of our friends getting to see their families on three day weekends while we can’t isn’t fun. It is fun, however, when they bring you along to new places you’ve never been, and you get to meet all their family and friends.
6. Higher tuition
This is probably the biggest struggle on the list. Paying higher tuition rates is not the slightest bit convenient, but we do it because we love our school. Some of us are even on scholarships.
7. Not getting to spend a lot of time with friends back home
Maintaining long distance friendships can be challenging sometimes. Especially when you all have different breaks, it becomes really hard to see all of your friends you graduated with. The longest breaks are usually spent catching up with all of them which gives us something to look forward to when returning home.
8. Paying for plane tickets
Another inconvenient financial burden on us out-of-staters – but again, it’s worth it. At least we’re able to rack up those airline points, am I right?
9. Having your family so far away from you
Missing the fam can be really difficult at times when they are so out of reach. Sometimes a phone call or text just isn’t enough to cure that home sickness.
10. Adapting to new food chains
One of the things we miss the most are our favorite restaurants at home. It just goes to show that you really shouldn’t take the best things in life for granted.
11. Adapting to new climate
Having to buy new clothes for different weather patterns we’re not used to and getting used to entirely new temperatures is yet another challenge we’ve had to learn to adapt to. But change is good, right?
Although being an out-of-state student has its challenges, I would never switch schools for anything. Being a long way from home has taught me how to become independent and resourceful, and for that, I am very grateful. The benefits of my life as a college student certainly outweigh any struggles on or off this list.
