I always wanted to leave New York and go to school somewhere warm. I ended up going to FSU and not knowing anyone, but loving every minute of it. Being an out-of-state student was the best thing to ever happen to me, and it could be for you too.

For my entire life, I have lived on Long Island, New York (and yes, that's on Long Island, not in.) NYC has always been at the tip of my fingers. My life has always been fast pace, with people who may not always be the nicest, great pizza, and great bagels. When my senior year of high school came around and I started applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to go far from home; I wanted to experience life in a new place. I applied to twenty schools all around the country, and luckily ended up at Florida State University.

I was excited to go to FSU because I loved Florida, and the warm weather, but then again I've only been to Miami. Going to Tallahassee was a huge cultural shock for me. I didn't know that Tallahassee was considered "The South," somewhere I've never been. My first week at FSU, I didn't think much of the location difference, but that would soon change.

The first thing I noticed was how nice everyone was, which was something I definitely did not have in New York. Life was also slow pace, which was something to get used to, and still am! Being an out-of-state student, it was hard to adjust to life in Tallahassee, but I would 100% recommend FSU to any out-of-state student.

Going through sorority recruitment, the most common question asked was "Why would you come to FSU if you're from Florida?" and my only answer was because I loved it when I visited, but the reason I stayed is much more.

FSU was more than I could have ever hoped for. The majority of students at FSU are in-state students, so being an out-of-state there is a lot more adjusting you need to do. Almost every kid you meet from Florida knows at least two other people at FSU, but not me; I didn't know anyone. I got a chance to start fresh, and make the best of my next four years.

Getting accustomed to FSU, I found my best friend, a great group of friends and sisters, a great school that cares about their students, amazing school spirit, and so much more. I joined a sorority and a student organization, went to almost every sporting event, and in that I found my reason for staying at FSU. I ended up loving the culture in Tallahassee and the people that make up the community. For someone who didn't know anyone, or anything about FSU, I gained some of the best people and experiences in my life.

Branching far out from New York, to experience a new way of life, was one of the most beneficial things I could have ever done. While there is a comfort staying in state for college, going out of state brought me what I know will be my best four years.

For anyone looking to take a risk and leave for school, I can attest that it will be the best thing you can ever do!