I'm sure everyone had that feeling of wanting to get out of the town they grew up in: I wanted out. Out of this town and away from these people! I applied to four different schools only one of which was even in the current state I lived it. However, the cheapest place to go ended up being in my own backyard-- well six blocks from it anyhow. I wasn't expecting to have the time of my life in the same place I learned to drive, but it ended up being the best decision of my life.

You know your way around

You know you're way around, use that to your advantage. I love that I never had to ask for directions to Walmart, or where to get the best coffee. In fact, I was the one telling everyone that the coffee house on main street serves not only the best drinks but the best breakfast too. Even though I didn't get to discover anything new, I was able to help other people discover the little hole-in-the-wall places that I had come to know and love. This is one of the best ways to get to know new people, everyone likes the person who knows where to eat.

Parties

The college is dead this weekend, and you and you're friends are bumbed that you got all pumped up for nothing. Lucky for you guys, you know all the people who live in town still, and there is definitely something going on. Use that. Your friends will meet all of your high school buds and it will be a great time. Your two lives, before college and during college, well they are one life-- and it's a great one.

Food

If your school is like mine, I guarantee you will be praying for a break from that cafeteria food. My mom makes the best green chili stew and one call to mom and she was happy to whip some up when the cafeteria served up...well, to be honest, I don't really know what that was but they say it was chicken. Don't be afraid to go home for a good meal, and take your friends along too, we all need a break from that overpriced slop.

People

You still meet new people. In fact, in my small school of 1,000, I'm still meeting new people all the time. So although you don't get to experience a new town, you still get the amazing new people. I have made some of the best friends in college and they are from all over, the only downside to this is when breaks come along you're stuck while they all go home. So get out there, find the people who you wouldn't have talked to before, and it's fine to keep you're high school friends, but remember not to limit yourself just to those people because there are so many other great people to get to know.

Home

I think one of the best things about going to college in the town you grew up in is that you never get home sick. When I miss my parents, or my pets I can simply just drive to see them. I always thought I wanted to be as far away from my parents as possible, but this is just naive high school thinking. If you want to see your mom, go see your mom because sometimes things do get hard and your parents will always be your rock. But don't spend all you're time there either, make sure you experience what your college has to offer, and sometimes that means going through the hard times alone. It's all about moderation.

Don't be ashamed to not have ventured off into the world as soon as possible, you have the rest of your life to do that. Enjoy the time you still have in your crummy old town, because I guarantee you will miss it.

Oh, and bring your dog to the dorms. Don't ask questions, just do it at least once.