So I'm sure everyone thinks I'm crazy for staying close to home when I chose which college to go too. But honestly, it made so much sense for me to stay near my home.
For starters, I didn't want to be in debt for the rest of my natural days. I mean let's be realistic, college is expensive as hell. Why would I choose to put myself in an extra 30,000-50,000$ of debt if I didn't have too? Luckily for me, I fell in love with the "college next door" when I was young and it ended up being the place I stuck with.
Another reason is that I didn't think I was ready to move out at 17. I can only speak on behalf of my experiences, but as far as I'm concerned freshman are the worst and should not be left unattended. I know how much trouble I got in my freshman year, and I didn't even live on campus! I've met people who have been arrested and had to have their parents drive like six hours to bail them out of jail. Like, c'mon, whose idea was it that at the peak of teenage insanity is when we're going to let the leashes go on? I still need my mom, and I am twenty years old. I know every college student has at least one breakdown a term where they question why they aren't at home or with their mom. We need to realize going out on our own at 17-18 is just a recipe for disaster.
I addition, I was afraid of change. This played a big role in my college choice. I'm a serious fan of plans and structure. Throwing in a new environment at such a confusing time of my life really wouldn't have allowed me to be as successful in my college career as I have been (I mean, I'm writing this article and you're reading it, that's a small form of success). Change is scary, but change can be good. Don't let the fear of change keep you from going as far as you want, it might seem like I did but I swear it only played like 10 percent in my entire decision process.
The biggest reason I stayed close to home and chose to commute is due to a four-legged, hot-breathed, Miniature Australian Shepard/Sheltie mix. I don't understand how anyone can go more than a week without their furry babies by their side. Mine is currently snoring on his pillow in our bed. (It was my bed, and then he learned to jump on his own.) Basically, my dog is my best friend and I couldn't imagine being away from him for such a long period of time.
So these are just a few reason I made the personal choice to commute for college. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going across the street or across the country for college. All I have left to say is: don't write off the school down the road just because it's down the road. Do what's best for you and your education, no matter where it takes you.
