Choosing a college is not an easy task. There are a variety of things to look for in the college that you desire. Do you want to go to a huge university or a small community college? What about what the university has to offer? Class size, tuition fees, deciding to live on or off campus. There are many things that add to the deciding factor. When I was choosing my college, one of the things that excited me most about it was that it was out of state. However, I definitely didn't realize how hard living out of state was going to be. Here are a few things no one told me about moving out of state.
1. You Might Run Into A Cultural Shock.
Different states have different things to offer and also have a slightly different way of living. Moving to Indiana from Florida, I was not prepared for there to be no Publix. Where was I supposed to go to get my BoGo's? Instead of a Publix they have a Schnucks, which I guess is the same thing, just without the buy one, get ones. I also was not prepared for the many, many corn fields that surrounded the area. The people themselves are also different in the way they approach others. They were actually, dare I say it, nice. It wasn't strange to do something courteous for someone you didn't know. Everyone on my campus actually holds doors open for the people behind them, which still flusters me every time it happens. I also thought it was going to be exciting to live where it snows, but everyday I have someone telling me something new about what it's like to actually live where it snows. Like you need to have ice scrapers for your car's windshield, and driving gloves? What's layering? Snow boots?
2. You Will Get Homesick. A lot.
Being away from home is not as easy as it sounds. The excitement of finally getting out from under your parents and doing your own thing eventually wears off and when it does, it'll hit you hard. You'll find yourself crying on the phone with your mom about how much you miss her and no amount of Netflix and ice cream can cure the feeling. You'll probably call home at least once every day, if not two or three times. I swear I call my mom as many times I can in a day, just to say hi and to hear her voice. My mom also sends me daily pictures of my dog back at home, and I probably cry every time I get a new one. Being homesick eventually just becomes a part of you.
3. You'll Doubt Your Decision To Move Out Of State.
One day you'll be sitting at home alone, crying to yourself asking why you moved away in the first place. You're far from your family, your friends, your life. It's not easy to pack up and leave and never look back. Because you'll look back. A lot. You'll stare at old pictures, old videos, and wonder why you ever left in the first place. Why didn't you just pick a college closer to home? You get lonely on three day weekends because all your new friends went home, but you couldn't. Your friends back at home will be posting pictures and videos of them enjoying their weekend back at home and you wonder what you're even doing with your life. I probably questioned my decision to move at least once a week for the first month, but that question will leave your mind. One day you'll meet a new friend and they just change your view, and suddenly it isn't so bad. Or maybe it's a class, or a teacher, or even yourself. You'll find your purpose for being there and when you do, it isn't so bad at all.
4. You Will Grow Closer To Your Parents.
I've always had a good relationship with my parents but moving out of state has really changed my opinion on them. Living with my parents, I was so ready to leave and not be under their rules. But when I did finally leave, I suddenly missed them. I have grown to be much more appreciative of my parents and their role in my life. I was never one to really tell my mom all about my problems, but the second I moved away she became my best friend. I call my mom whenever I have an issue, if I need advice, or if i'm just stressed out and I need her to tell me everything is going to be alright. Being away from home makes you realize how great being home really was. How much your parents really took care of you. It'll also make you cherish the moments you get to have with them when you do get to finally go home. You'll actually want to stay home and spend time with them.
5. Don't Move Out Of State Until You're Ready To.
If you're not ready to leave home, then don't. You don't need to make a huge leap and move out of state right after graduating college. Some people do, and that's great! But, sometimes you just aren't ready to go that far away from home just yet. I didn't move out of state until my junior year of college, and I still struggled the first month and a half into it. But it was also the right time for me to make that leap and just go for it. Moving out of state is honestly a huge decision and it really will change the way you live and view things. So just make sure you are ready to be far away from home and that it's okay if you can't go home as often as some other kids may be able to. Because trust me, some kids will go home every weekend and every break you get, and you might get stuck alone on the weekends, and you just have to be okay with that. Don't let it get you down.
Moving out of state may not have been exactly what I thought it was going to be like, but it was also one of the best decisions I have made. It took awhile to adjust and finding friends as a junior transfer in college was not easy. But I've found my people and where I belong and I'm making the most of it. I love my home back in Florida, but I also love being able to experience new seasons, new people, and a new way of life. So If you're considering moving out of state, really take the time and think about it. It's a great experience, but it is also a lot harder than you think it will be.
