Picking a college is not an easy thing to do and takes a lot of research, thought, and consideration. Most students usually end up with a list of schools from their home state and maybe one or two out-of-state schools. Typically students want an in-state school so that they receive cheaper tuition, are able to be close (but not too close) to home, and have friends going to that school. As for deciding out-of-state schools, students traditionally chose them to travel for the best school with their program or to get away from home. My list of college consisted of four colleges, two in-state, two out of state. I know a good amount of my friend list had at least one out-of-state schools one their list, and some had lists of only out-of-state schools.I personally decided on a private school out of state, and I have noticed that attending an out-of-state college (or even one on the other side of the state), in my opinion, adds to the experience of college.

Some of the additional "experiences" can be summed up by the reactions that all students who move far away for college have.

1. When you move from a small town to a big city:

2. When you try to show someone where you live (and live in a small area):

3. When someone mentions they are from your area:

4. When someone mentions your state:

5. When someone asks for directions in your new area and you know nothing:

6. When you try to find your way around the new area:

7. When you get lost in your new area:

8. When someone refers to a local place and you have no idea where that is:

9. When you realize everyone doesn't know everyone else:

10. When you can't find your favorite food chains from home in your new city:

11.When someone asks if you're experiencing culture shock:

12. When you actually experience culture shock:

13.When people ask if you're homesick:

14. When you miss your hometown:

15. When you miss your family:

16. When you actually go home:

17. When you finally get to see your best friend:

18. When you finally get to see your family:

If you have moved out of state or across the state, you have most likely had these feelings/reactions. But it's okay because you're not the only one at your school, I can guarantee it.