There are certain traits and characteristics that all college students possess: We’re always tired, always hungry, and we’re always procrastinating. There are also certain traits that out-of-state students have acquired while studying away from home. Here are four signs that you are an out-of-state student.
1. You have gotten use to the question “Why did you come to school here?” and you’ve memorized your answer.
In-state students are fascinated by out-of-state students. It’s like we’re a different species. If you’re an in-state student and you attend IUPUI, it’s completely normal. You don’t need a special reason. However, if you’re an out-of-state student, you must have a crazy, magical answer. Some think you are super cool for leaving *insert home state here* and some think that you’re wasting your time and money. Whether they ask in a genuine tone or in a snarky, disapproving one, you can always answer immediately.
2. You take “poor college student” to the next level.
Non-resident tuition is just unnecessary. That’s it, nothing further.
3. When you’re away from home, you always want food that originated in your hometown.
When you’re living at home, you don’t care about the super cool diner on the corner of your street. However, on a random Tuesday in October, when dining hall food just isn’t up to par, you’ll never forgive yourself for taking that little diner for granted. You will always crave the food you can’t have and, if you’re like me, you’ll try and think of ways to bring that food to you and your new friends. Speaking of friends…
4. You made a lot of friends the first few weeks of school because you had no other option.
Typically, when students go to college in a different state, they know very little, if not zero, people because everyone from their high school stayed close to home. Out-of-state students are forced to break out of their comfort zone and find friends because, if not, they’ll have to survive those four years by themselves (and I don’t even think that’s possible).
Going to college in a different state is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love living in a new environment, even if I stick out like a sore thumb sometimes. I hope that everyone gets the chance to encounter a new state, new people and new experiences.
