This list is adapted from my post for Her Campus at Chapel Hill. Click here to check it out!
“I think we need a break. It’s not you; it’s me. I just need some space. I need to figure things out on my own, be independent.”
These were the lines I spoke to my mom before I left for college. Yep, I used a break-up line with my mom (it definitely helped soften the blow) when I told her that I was going to college out of state. She was mostly fine with it until I told her that I would be going over 500 miles away. That’s right; I left my home state of New York to go to school in North Carolina, and let me tell you it was the greatest decision I’ve ever made!
3 years later I’m leaving again, but this time for grad school in Massachusetts. However, there were some pros and cons that most people don’t tell you about when you’re an out-of-state student.
Here are some of the triumphs and trials of being an out-of-state student.
INDEPENDENCE SMACKS YOU IN THE FACE…IN A GOOD WAY
Being so far away from home means that help is more than a phone call away. Sick at school? Have to take care of yourself. Forgot an essential item? I guess I can live without that water filter. In all seriousness, living so far away forces you to become responsible in a way that you never thought you could be. You’re on the road to adulting.
STATE PRIDE IS A THING
I’ve never been one to boast about my state, but since leaving it, I’ve become a state enthusiast. I’ve found that anything that has the words “New York” on it will be bought immediately. If somebody says they’re from New York, we’re instant best friends. I can’t help but appreciate what I had, and I didn’t realize how much I would miss it until I was gone.
FRIENDS? WHAT ARE THOSE?
It’s not that you don’t have any friends, it’s just that they’re kind of far away. What makes this worse is that it seems like everyone who goes to school in-state knows each other. Like seriously! You all didn’t go to the same high school; how do you know this person?
ETERNALLY LOST
Someone tells you to meet them at *insert place that only people from in-state would know* and you nod, even though you have no clue where that is at. Since you’re not familiar with the area, you depend on your friends to get you outside of the college town, or heck even to get around in it. Most of the time, Google Maps is your best and most trustworthy friend. But never fear! Not knowing where you are going surprisingly is a quick way to make closer bonds with the people you rely on.
Overall, being an out-of-state student has its ups and its downs. Just remember to have fun, try new things and make the most out of your college experience.
What state are you from and where are you going to school?
Oh memories! I went to university on the other side of the country. It was 100% the best choice and great to be so far away.
Cheers for travelling far from home ?! It’s such an experience to up and move plus get accimated to new state!
Wow this is so neat, thanks for sharing.
Here to constantly relive the good ol’ colege days ?
I love the question posed as are you best friends or parents, at some point you can be friends too but for the most part you need to be their parents they will have plenty of friends along the way.
Completely agree! Your friends will definitely come and go but parents are there in your corner forever!
State pride is SO true! We learned that when we moved to Colorado. When I was a college kid out of state school wasn’t even a thought in my mind. I was way too scared to move that far away. Good for you!
There has to be some psychological answer for it…right?
Aww, thank you! I was so ready to travel outside my bubble that I was “like how far can I go without leaving the U.S.”?.
Wow state pride is so true, it happens to me when I’m traveling so I assume it will be even worst when you move permanently
It’s weird isn’t it? I was suddenly like ‘Go New York” when I went to school in the south ?