New Territory
Start writing a post
Student Life

New Territory

The reasons going to an out-of-state school was the best decision I've ever made

20
New Territory

College is a mysterious place. All of our lives, we imagine the crazy nights we could have, the best friends we will make, and usually, we imagine being a student at the state school we've been cheering for our entire lives. I was no different. For me, it was Florida. I didn't live too far from UF, I attended countless sporting events, and I even went to camp there for several years before college. In my mind, I was an honorary gator before I even took my SAT and ACT. I knew I would be there for four years.

But things changed when I decided I wanted be a collegiate lacrosse player. I began looking out-of-state, places far from home. Then, I happened upon a small liberal arts college in Kentucky, and I was sold. The dream I looked forward to my entire life was suddenly replaced by this mystery school 700 miles away from home. As cliché as it sounds, dreams really do come true. My new dream was realized in an acceptance letter, and with it I could not have found a more perfect home.

Here is why going to school out-of-state was the best decision I have ever made, and why I think you should leave your home state too:

1. It forces you to grow up.

College is a time to mature. Going to school out of state made the whole 'you're on your own thing' very real. You can't just drive home, and have your mom do the pile of laundry that has been building in your room for the past two weeks. Keep wishing; that laundry won't do itself. You can't just drive home because you're having a bad day. Time to figure out your own problems.

Well, that sounds terrible, right?

Actually, not really. With this taking on of new responsibilities and fulfilling them, comes a sense of self-worth and independence you just can't find going to school down the street from your childhood home. My roommate, Oyin, and I struggled sometimes, but we managed to make it work. After your first year of college, you'll be able to say you survived on your own without Mom and Dad. It's exciting, really. Who knew you were capable of so much?

2. Changing your environment.

Having lived by the beach in Florida nearly my entire life, I thought being landlocked in Kentucky would be the end of me. I couldn't have been more wrong. Moving far from home forced me to see try new things and live in a new way. I went to the Kentucky Derby, had snow days, saw the leaves change color, and discovered that there are other bodies of water besides the ocean, like lakes and rivers.

Sometimes it is easy to get sucked into your hometown, thinking its the best place and only place for you but it's important to remember that your hometown does not have everything there is to offer.


3. Social media.

Chances are you have at least one of the following social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, or Yik Yak, the list goes on. You probably also have a cell phone. Typically, cell phones have the ability to text and call people even if you leave the state. Imagine that!

It's not like you're dropping off the face of the Earth, even if your school is in the middle of nowhere. You will make new friends, and you will have the ability to continue communicating with your older ones. It will be okay.

4. You will appreciate home more than ever.

When you are around the same people in the same area for such a long time, you will inevitably get tired of them. Moving away makes the time you spend at home over holiday break much more precious. You will actually want to spend time with your friends and family. You may even go so far as to try to become a tourist in your own city (it's fun, trust me).

5. It is a chance to start over.

Going to school out-of-state gives you the chance to reinvent yourself. You can leave your past behind and start fresh. You can truly be who you want to be.

College is a time of uncertainty, and you won't be 100% comfortable in your first few weeks no matter where you go. You might as well go with your gut, whether you decide to be in-state or out-of-state.

All in all, I've made the best friends I could ever ask for and had some of my fondest experiences in my first year of college. All it took was taking a risk and heading to Kentucky.



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.

42601
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?

26743
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.

951818
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.

139649
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