I've gone over how I'm from out of state many a time, though I've never actually talked about what it's like to attend college out of state.
Let me tell you, it's... an experience.
1. Culture Shock
Now, Maryland and New Jersey are technically part of the same region (Insert obligatory Maryland is Not the South rant here), but there are a bunch of differences. I had my speculations, of course, that Jersey was trash, but I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't. It's bizarre how it's illegal to fill your own gas tank, and that there are so many diners. And most of them are good! Apparently, however, I haven't met anyone with the "Joisey" accent, and they think mashed and smashed potatoes are the same thing. Um...
2. But there are a few things that remind you of home
I'll say it right out. PEOPLE. HERE. CANNOT. DRIVE. But that's OK. People in Maryland can't drive either. There are good restaurants, some even from home. (I had no idea Cracker Barrel and Chick-Fil-A went this far north!) Princeton is a picturesque historical town that reminds me of downtown Annapolis (though it sadly lacks the city dock). Wawa is cool here too... But apparently, a much bigger deal than it is back home.
3. Navigation
I may have been here for almost two years, but I STILL don't know most of the directions. (Left turns. LEFT TURNS. What's so hard about that?) Also, the school consists of mostly in-states, so when someone says, I'm from *random town name here*, North/South Jersey, a bunch of people are, like "Oh, I know where that is!" And I sit there like "uh... Where is that?" Cue the explanation consisting of "I'm not from Jersey, I don't know anything about this state."
4. Singled Out
Again, Rider consists of a lot of students from New Jersey. The out of state people come in small handfuls. I remember having a class last semester where everyone was from Jersey, aside from myself and this girl from Texas. The other students liked to refer to us as "The one from Texas" and "The one from Maryland." Cripes.
5. Weekends
Everyone goes home for the weekend... Well, excepting the students from other states and countries. And nothing goes on during the weekend, that is, unless you're lucky enough to have a job, or you're a party person. What if you're neither? Now what? What are we supposed to do besides sleep all day and entertain ourselves in our rooms? Whatever, we'll adapt.
6. Trips
I'm lucky enough to get driven home, but I'm aware that some have to drive themselves, take a train, or take a plane. I'd luckily gotten used to road trips early in life, so it didn't faze me as much. No matter, they're long and rather boring, so breaks are both anticipated and dreaded.