If you were like me in high school, the thought of going to college far away from home was exciting and glamorous. Moving to a different state, region or even coast seemed like the fresh start you needed, and the thought of staying in your home state for college was a nightmare. For some, moving far away became a reality. For me, it did not… and I couldn't be happier. After searching long and hard for my perfect match, I fell in love with my state school and proudly call it my home.
There are so many reasons why I realized that my state school was for me, and attending Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, was the best thing I ever did. Staying in state means:
1. You're Never Far From Friends.
Everyone says that the friends you make in college are the ones you'll have for life. Sure, from September through May you spend every waking second with the friends you've made at school, bonding during late night library sessions and tailgates for football games. But what about winter, spring and summer break? Being away from school can create some serious separation-anxiety among friends, but for those who go to school far away from where they live, seeing your college friends can be hard, if not impossible. Going to your state school means that seeing your friends, significant other or sorority sisters simply means a car ride, not a plane ride.
2. It's All about the Money, Money, Money.
Okay, so it's not all about the money, but staying in-state can save you some serious cash. Can you say “in-state tuition?" Most state schools have amazing academic reputations and can offer you as much, if not more, than other schools at a fraction of the cost. Plus, think about the time and money that you'll save when going to and from schools. Although flying can be exciting, the cost of having to fly home for every holiday or break adds up, fast.
3. The Best of Both Worlds.
There have been so many times while I've been at school where I've been grateful for being a car ride away from home. Although my hometown is about an hour away from Rutgers, and I don't go home often, I feel so lucky that my family and friends from home are within reach. When I got sick freshman year, my parents were able to drop off medicine and supplies almost as soon as I called them. When my boyfriend and I broke up, my sister and friends from home were able to come visit me at school, ice cream in hand. I feel far enough away from home that I have found my independence here at school, but know that I can reach out whenever I need to.
4. It's Not Four Years, It's For Life.
This is something I've heard people use to describe their experience in Greek life. I, however, think it's just as fitting to describe one's time in college. After you leave your collegiate years behind, living in the state you went to school in can open so many doors. There's an entire network of alumni in the area who can connect you to jobs and opportunities and who will go out of their way to help their fellow in-state graduates. Seeing neighbors, family, friends and even strangers wearing your school's clothing wherever you go in state will be a constant reminder of the memories you made and the times you spent at school. And, for those of us who aren't willing to accept that college only lasts four years, being in state means that keeping up with your alma mater is as easy as coming back to campus for a stroll down memory lane (AKA frat row) or cheering on your team at homecoming.
