The best thing about attending college is finally getting away from that reign of the “iron fist” in your parents’ house. It’s the best feeling in the world to know that you finally have the freedom to do whatever you feel like doing without having to worry about what time you have to return home, who you’re hanging out with, or being questioned about your whereabouts. However, exactly how far the distance your college is may determine what kind of experience you’ll receive in college.

For me, it was 1,267 miles. And it still was the best decision I have ever made.

Attending college out of state is an experience that I suggest everybody should experience, whether you’re already in college and you have the chance to do a student exchange program, or you’re getting ready to finish high school and prepping for college. A lot of my peers I went to high school with wanted to attend college in-state. There was only a select few that wanted to leave the nest and live out-of-state. Some of them just couldn't. College is expensive. We know.

I have discovered with my three years of out-of-state college experience a couple reasons why you should consider it:

It opens you up to an entirely new environment

Living in Honduras and deciding to go to school in Mississippi was an experience that I appreciate to this very day. I had the chance to live in a brand new environment, meet new lifelong friends, and to experience the unique Mississippian lifestyle.

The beauty of going to school in a different state (or country) is that you get to see and compare how the people live there to how the people live in your hometown. It broadens your mindset. One thing you have to remember in life is that there’s more to it than just what your hometown has to offer. Sometimes it’s not where you from, it’s where you are.

Being away from home helps increase your independence

The further you are away from home, the more it forces you to be independent. Mom and dad are not there to help you with your homework, do your laundry (I struggled with this one), or even to call your professors when you're sick. ITS.ALL.YOU.NOW. Yes, it's pretty scary at first but this will make you grow and mature so much and so fast.

There comes a time when you have to sit back and think over the current decisions you have been making with your money and judge whether or not you’re spending wisely or if you should cut back on it. You also have to think about whether or not the time is right for you to decide if you want to have your own earnings and not have to worry about mommy or daddy giving you a set allowance every month.

Truth be told, these reasons can also apply towards going to in-state colleges that are a couple hours away from home. However, I just believe a college experience out-of-state is a much more fulfilling experience, which you can truly value and appreciate.

Plus, it helps you out so much for the future. Everyone needs to experience a little traveling. Why not kill two birds with one stone and go elsewhere to get that education you need?