Deciding where to go for school is a very important decision that many of us must make. Many factors play into choosing your college such as the majors offered, the size of the student body, and for many... location. If you're anything like me, you're hesitant about going away. Even if it's only an hour, it's still not home. That hesitancy is completely normal. Change is always scary. But I'm here to tell you just a few reasons why you don't need to be afraid.

1. You learn so much about your level of responsibility, and about your ability to be independent.

The day you move into your first dorm/apartment I swear you feel like you just aged 5 years. Your parents aren't right there to tell you what to do and how to spend your time. You must balance your school work, activities, friendships, and bank account. If you go out 4 nights a week, you need to be ready with a good cover story when you have to send that, "I ran out of money", text to your family. Just remember that you're paying for your education now. If you're parents are paying... well... don't be a jerk and waste their money. But also, don't take it all to seriously and enjoy the free time you have. When you go away for school you learn this very quickly. Your roof, your rules right? But don't worry you'll figure out your right balance. Everyone is different.

2. There are so many activities to get involved in.

When you commute you aren't able to fully immerse yourself into all that the school has to offer. Many nights I have found myself still at a practice or meeting deep into the night. Imagine dripping in mud from rugby, or being consumed with work after a very long club meeting only to have to take a rather long drive home. Why drive when you could walk or drive two minutes and be done with your travels. Also, if you live around campus it is much easier to make it to last minute bonding events or parties. Becoming a major player in whatever you choose to be involved in helps you to grow and learn more about your interests. Being close to all the action will only benefit you in the long run.

3. You meet so many different kinds of people.

When you stay close to home, you find yourself surrounded by people just like you. When you go away (even just an hour or two), you suddenly find yourself in more of a melting pot of different backgrounds and cultures. Not everyone grew up in your hometown and it's very important to learn that there is in fact life outside of the place you grew up. These incredible (and some not-so incredible) people will open your eyes to new experiences and opinions that will change you as a person.

4. Lastly, you will develop a further appreciation for your past and your future.

Your friends from home will be there when you get back. Your family will always love you. When you make the brave decision to leave for school, you are making the decision to grow even more as a person away from your family and friends that you've always known. Take what you have learned and apply it to the new journey you are about to begin. You will be on your own for a short while and that's okay because I promise it wont be for long. You will gain new friends, and those friends will become your family away from home. You will take what you learn from being on your own and apply it to getting a job and exploring the world around you. By going away to school, you gain the independence needed to make your future look a little brighter. Just remember that there's no need to be afraid. Just remember if I can do it, so can you.