When I was searching for colleges, I wanted somewhere relatively close to home – at most, three hours away. After visiting all my options and falling in love with a school five hours from home, I didn't wind up sticking to my original plan. Here are the pros and cons I've experienced going to a college far from home
Pros:
You meet tons of new people.
Going to college away from home (especially one no one from your high school goes to) is a great opportunity to meet people from all different walk of life. I would have never met the incredible friends I've made if I didn't push myself out of my comfort zone and gone to school far away.
You get to be somewhere completely different from what you're used to.
This may seem intimidating at first, but it really is a great experience. Going somewhere different from your hometown means you get to be a part of something new and can learn about a new culture, whether that's another state or another country.
You can easily cut people off who you don't want to see anymore.
This one sounds a bit harsh, but it's true. Being hours away from the people who you didn't like in high school lets you have a good reason to not see them anymore. You're hardly ever in the same town at the same time, and you're each busy with your new lives.
You get really excited when you meet someone from your area.
It's rare I find someone from around where I live, so when I do, it's a big deal. You both can bond over things people in your college town just don't get, such as how long the drive is.
Cons:
Your parents never visit you.
Going to school far from home means your parents don't always want to take that long drive to see you for a short amount of time. This won't really bother you too much until it's Parent's Weekend and your friends' families all ask you where yours is.
Not only do they not visit you, but they complain you're too far away.
I remember my mom being thrilled I was looking at schools close to home, so when I picked one far away, my mom wasn't pleased. Yes, she's happy I found a place that's right for me, but no matter how old you get, you'll always be your parents' baby. Because of this, you'll be reminded every break of what you're putting your parents through.
You can, virtually, never go home on the weekends.
Being able to go home would be nice, especially if you go to somewhat of a "suitcase school." Seeing your friends go home on the weekends to their families, best friends and home-cooked meals can make you a little jealous you don't have that luxury.
Going home for breaks is a hassle.
If you don't have your own car on campus, finding a ride home can be tough, not to mention expensive. If you get lucky, someone with a kind soul will give you a ride home, but people like this can be hard to find. You could wind up having to take a bus or train home, and these are usually annoying and expensive.
For me, going away to college has been an awesome experience and the pros far outweigh the cons. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
