Going away to college is a big deal for everyone: you, your family, and your friends. But you never realize it until your finally away to school. Especially when you go to college in a different state. Going away to school in a different state is a completely different experience than going to an in-state school.
There are so many first-times and new experiences when you attend school out of state.
1. Learning a new area
When leaving your hometown that is all you have known for the past 18 years and now you have to learn a new town and new state. It is a completely different experience.
2. Trying new foods
Growing up where I did in Northern NJ is completely different than Rhode Island where I attend school. There are different things that I did not realize were popular such as coffee milk and grinders (which are subs, but in Rhode Island they’re called grinders).
3. Going home is so much more special now!
Now that you are away from your hometown it makes coming back even more fun! You get to come back and eat all of your favorite foods and hang out with all of your family and friends!
4. You learn new traditions
Nowhere in the country is the same and in every state, there are different traditions and normal activities that you get to now partake in!
5. You learn a new language pretty much
Going to school in New England I have learned so many different terms that I do not say at home in NJ, such as "wicked!"
6. Buying a new wardrobe who doesn't want to do that?
Going to school in New England you would think that it is pretty similar to New Jersey, but my freshman year I needed to buy so many more winter clothes, winter jackets and shoes. It gets a lot colder at school than it does at home!
7. You miss out on your friend's and family’s events/gatherings
Since you are not living at home anymore you will miss events! You will be home for big holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas break but the small Jewish holidays I have to miss which is sad!
8. You get to have friends from all over the world!
It is crazy how you become friends with people from everywhere. At home, all of my friends have had a pretty similar upbringing, but at school, I have friends from different states and countries which I think is pretty cool!
If anyone you know has the opportunity to attend college out of state I would highly recommend it, even for at least a year or two! I know out of state tuition can be expensive but if you can afford it definitely go for it! Going out of state for college has been one of the best decisions I have made and I am so glad that I do!
