Going away for college vs. staying home can be one of the most mind-boggling decisions a student will face. Some know as early as their freshman year of high school that leaving home after graduation is the answer for them. Others may choose to stay home because they are undecided about their future, don't have the financial means to do so, or simply aren't ready to leave their loved ones.
Whatever the reason may be, there's plenty more reasons to understand why going away for school is so important.
What if I don't make any friends?
If your biggest fear is making new friends, fear no more. At the start of every semester, there are always going to be people in the same situation as you. Nobody is going to know each other, and everyone is anxious to make new friendships. Don't be afraid to join a club on campus or knock on your neighbor's door and introduce yourself. Being open to new experiences can be one of the greatest ways to make friends with people who share the same interests you do. Bottom line? Go out of your comfort zone and meet new people at any opportunity.
What if I'm not ready to live on my own yet?
Going away to school can either mean you're a drive away or a flight away. However far you may be from home, you're going to have to grow up and "adult" eventually. College is the perfect place to start your journey into "adulthood." Think about it, once you graduate, you're going to have to move out and be entirely on your own. Managing bills, rent, car payments, etc. while handling the beginning of your career all by yourself may be a lot to juggle at once. Being away at school is the perfect set of baby steps to get you ready for the real "adulthood" because you and your peers are all sharing the same newfound struggles. Being on your own will teach you how to manage your finances on a smaller scale, such as budgeting for a weekend of partying. You'll also learn how to maintain your living space without the help of mom or dad, how to manage your time wisely and create a routine for yourself, and most of all, you'll gain the independence you'll need later down the road once you graduate.
What if I can't afford it?
Everyone's financial situation is different, and that's okay. Your desire to go away to school though may be hindered by the fact that you can't afford to live there. However, don't accept defeat by what the government chooses to grant you in terms of financial aid. Contact the school and express your desire to be apart of their community. 9 times out of 10, financial aid offices can find grants and scholarships that you may qualify for, and therefore giving you the means to be able to live on campus.
What if I don't know what I want to do?
You're a late teen or early twenty-something-year-old. Nobody knows truly what they want to do. Some of us may have an idea or certain direction, but our paths can lead us anywhere. Some may say that they don't want to waste their money on something their unsure of. Living on campus can give you a better opportunity to figure out what interests you. Regardless, you will earn credit that you will eventually need to graduate, and you'll learn lessons that will help you move forward into shaping your future and who you'd like to become.
What if I don't like it?
Being away from home for the first time is not going to be easy, no matter who you are. Everyone will feel homesick at one point and want to come home to their comfort zone. For those who are only a short drive away, that may be possible. But for those who aren't, it's going to be okay. Luckily, we live in a generation with cell phones and FaceTime. You have the ability to call your loved ones whenever you'd like, and even see their faces. Frequent calls will make the distance feel like there's none at all. Try framing pictures of fun memories and the people closest to you to place around your dorm room and when you're feeling down, they'll be right by your side.
What if I'm just too undecided?
You need to live a little, and most of all, you need to learn a lot. Aside from learning in class, you need to learn about yourself. Being on your own, experiencing a new environment, and breaking free from your comfort zone will teach you more than you thought possible about who you are as a person, and who you want to be. Don't take everything so seriously, but be responsible. Don't be afraid to fail, but aim for success. It's okay sometimes to make mistakes, to act your age, and to be carefree. Don't hold yourself back from a decision as big as going away for college, because it could be the best decision you ever make.
