“I want to go to a college that is as far away from home as possible.”
It's a phrase commonly expressed by a large majority of high school seniors when discussing the year to follow. Seemingly, whenever I found out that friends or classmates of mine had decided to go to the University of Minnesota, I always thought, “Why would you want to be so close to home? You won’t get the true college experience.” After almost a year at the U of M, I now realize is how completely untrue that statement is. Here are four reasons why going to a college that is close to home is the best:
1. You know a lot of people on campus
It is true that going to a university that is close to home can feel like you're bringing your high school to college. Just walking down University Avenue, I definitely see my fair share of familiar faces from good old suburbia. One may think that when there are so many people you already know, a state of complacency may set in; however, from my experience, having these familiar faces can be a great way to begin networking and getting to know new people. Looking at the big picture, as a student on such a large campus, you really can create your own a personal experience with friends and relationships regardless of the ties to home.
2. When you’re sick, your mother can be your nurse
There’s nothing worse than being quarantined by your roommates when you’re basically on the deathbed of the common cold. When you’re sick, there really is no place like home, and with living so close, there is no better feeling of being able to hop in the car and head home at the slightest sign of an approaching illness. Seriously, when you’re feeling under the weather, what’s better than laying in your parents’ king sized bed all snuggled up to watch an old movie while your mother brings you aspirin and 7Up? Nothing.
3. College laundry machines are sub-par
Ever miss the feeling of putting on a freshly washed t-shirt and not having the last guy’s gym sock clinging to your armpit? When you’ve got a little time to head home for the day and use the laundry machine with more than just a “GO” button, doing a load anywhere but a residence hall or apartment basement is pretty luxurious. And hey, if you’re lucky, mom or dad may just fold it just like the old days (last year).
4. Home-cooked meals and free groceries
After evaluating that last can of soup in the cabinet, the crumbs at the bottom of the cereal box and the brown banana on the counter, it’s always lovely heading home on a Sunday evening to catch up with the ‘rents and have a home-cooked meal. Unlike your roommates, your parents are intrigued by what you’re studying in biology lab, and they’re always there to give you a high-five for the A you received on last week's midterm. After feeling like the star of the evening, it never hurts to raid the cupboards for the groceries that your parents “probably weren’t going to eat anyway.”
Going to college close to home definitely has its perks. And the in-state tuition isn’t so bad, either.
