staying in state
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Don't be afraid to stay

Misconceptions of Going In-State For College

103
Don't be afraid to stay
Arizona Public Media

For as long as I can remember, everyone's dream has been to go to college in a different state. However, once junior year came around, many realized that their dreams had changed to attending an in-state university. I used to imagine the day I would pack up my bags and move across the country to attend school. However, after a lot of thinking I decided to attend the University of Arizona, which is two hours away from where I have lived my whole life. Even though I was excited to go to school I couldn't help but wonder if going to an in-state university would be the same as everyone said it was. Some of the things I have heard throughout the years include: "It's basically the same thing as high school." "You won't meet any new people." "You'll go home so often." Many of these ideas stuck in my head while making my college decision and a big reason why I was hesitant to attend the University of Arizona. However, after completing my freshman year I am happy to say that these misconceptions are not true.

College is very different from high school, even if you choose an in-state school. The independence, class schedules, and extracurricular activities are all ways in which you meet new people, have new experiences, and as cliché as it sounds, find yourself. It's not the same thing as high school, you don't know everyone and it's rare that you run into someone you do know. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, whether it is joining a club, Greek life, or even meeting people in your dorm. And going home is up to you. Personally, I only went home during breaks, which is the same as people that go out of state. This made it feel special when I did go home because it was not a regular occurrence. But also, if you want to go home to visit your family, why is that such a bad thing? If anything going in state is nicer because it is more convenient.

Despite whether you go in or out of state, the experience of college is what you make it. If you want to meet new people and have new experiences know it is possible to do at any school. I think a lot of people have a negative association with going to an in-state school because people that have gone out of state talk about it as though it is impossible to do those same things at a school that is in the same state that you live. And it's not. So don't be afraid or feel ashamed for going in-state because it's pretty great if you ask me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52861
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33970
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956650
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181442
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments