When entering the college admission process, my heart was set on riding the rest of my life out in Southern California. I am SoCal born and raised, so I live off of the non-existent changing in seasons and the In-N-Out Burgers on every corner. I am lucky enough to be attending my dream school in sunny SoCal, but there are definitely times I long for an escape from the West Coast.

Pros:

1. Need that dress you left in your closet for a night out or sorority formal? Home is just around the corner.

Along with many themed events, Greek formals, and changes in weather, there’s no way you could lug your whole closet over to your small college dorm or living space. The convenience of having a second closet in your reach is ideal. Plus, where are you going to keep all of your shoes?

2. There’s nothing better than a nice home cooked meal.

As nice as cafeteria food is after a long day of classes, nothing beats your mom’s famous lasagna or your dad’s mouth-watering steak. "Caf food" is bearable for only so long, the comfort of a nice home cooked meal is the best remedy for the hectic life of a full-time student.

3. College drama isn’t always bearable 24/7, but mom is there to help.

Living in the college dorms is an incredible experience, you are constantly surrounded by so many fun and intelligent people. But, that also comes with being constantly surrounded by college drama, which is more intense than high school drama. So, when you’re done hearing about how your best friend is falling for a guy who is hooking up with someone else, take a short vacation back home.

4. Homesickness = Nonexistent

When you’re constantly in the reach of home, homesickness can’t get to you. Any time I know I need that encouraging embrace from dad, a heart to heart with mom, or a kiss on the nose from my dog, I know that I can hop in my car and take a 30 minute trip down the freeway.

5. There are less "goodbyes" when transitioning from High School.

Long distance is hard- from family, friends, and significant others. But if you’re close by, not only do you get your family, but you get some of your relationships too. If they’re still finishing up their high school years, you’ll still have them close by to stand by your side.

Cons:

1. When you’re close, it’s easy to opt out of the full college experience.

When times are tough, it’s easy to take a one-way ticket out of college life and crawl right back into the comfort of your home. This causes some people who choose local colleges to miss out on many opportunities and experiences. When others choose to attend college further away, and are faced with something difficult, they learn to adapt and benefit from their experiences.

2. Same area, similar experiences.

I went to high school 10 minutes down the street from my current college. Not only did I spend the last four years in this area, but I will also be spending the next four as well. All the same restaurants, all the same attractions, all the same people. It’s nice to have a change in pace every once in awhile.

3. Having major jealousy of friends discovering new cities, states, and countries.

Every time I open Instagram, my feed is flooded with selfies by the mirrored bean in Chicago, Illinois or on the bustling streets of New York City. Being Southern California born and raised, I crave a new adventure, somewhere outside of the busy streets of Los Angeles or the many, many beaches. I can’t help but be jealous of my high school peers embarking on their new adventures.

4. You’re still on Mom and Dad’s radar.

One of the most exciting things about college is being on your own for the first time, but, when you’re close enough to home, that’s not completely the case. Mom and Dad can drop in any time, which is great, but also horrible. If you have a night out with friends planned and mom decides to come and surprise you for dinner, you're not in the greatest situation.

5. You're likely still trapped in some high school drama.

If you go to school nearby, chances are a good amount of people from your high school do too. Plus, you still have your high school itself nearby. So, that one guy you regretted dating and prayed you would leave behind in high school could follow all the way to your “new” college life.

No matter near or far to home, college is what you make of it. So whether you’re making the weekly trips home to grab a bite of your mom’s favorite meal or you’re trying to get your mom off your back once and for all, enjoy where you are.