You gain independence and start adulting

The first few weeks of school, I didn’t buy into the whole independence thing. Gaining independence just seemed like a fancy way of saying “congrats you get to do your own laundry”. As the year went on I saw personal growth like I have never seen before. I realized what I wanted rather than what everyone else wanted for me. Adulting became easier and easier every day. And yes... I perfected the art of doing my own laundry.

You get to witness a whole new culture

As a kid, I spent my winters sledding and skiing. Now I have friends at school who spend the holidays swimming and surfing. It makes you realize that the world is a lot bigger than the town you grew up in. The clothing, food, political views, pastimes, music and scenery are all bound to be different from what you are used to.

You have more opportunities to “turn up”

Whether your definition of a party is frat hopping or staying up until 3 am eating Doritos, you have the freedom to turn up every single night if that’s what you’re into. College students live for the weekends. If you choose to go home Friday through Sunday then you are missing out on the football games, parties, and all the fun social activities. Fortunately, you don’t even live close enough to go home every weekend, so you know that you are getting the whole college experience.

You get to leave the past in the past

College is truly a time to discard your flaws and highlight your strengths. One of the best parts about being so far from home is that you get to leave all your baggage in your home state. Middle School and High School can be rough sometimes because your classmates have known you for pretty much your whole life. Luckily, there won’t be that many people from your high school attending your University. So nobody needs to know about that weird guy you dated Freshman year or the unfortunate nicknames that stuck with you through grade school. And all those people you weren’t too fond of? Good news, you never have to see them again.

Going home for the Holidays is the best

After your parents go six months without taking you out to dinner, they will take you to your favorite restaurant in the whole world. Need new shoes? Mom will be so excited to go shopping with you. And mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa have missed you so much that they’ll be willing to spend a little extra on your Christmas present. The best part about going home after being so far away is reconnecting with family and telling them all about your new home away from home.

You finally experience freedom.. sweet, sweet freedom

In essence, going to school away from home grants you more freedom and fun than you have ever experienced. With this freedom also comes responsibility. Yet, taking on this responsibility allows a lot of room for personal growth. You have the freedom to dictate your own life, write your own story, forge your own path. College is your chance to live wherever you want and do whatever you want. So mix up your routine! Why stay in the same place that you’ve been for 18 years?