When we think about going to college, most of us want to get as far away from home as possible and really hit the ground running with our new lives as “adults.” We want a fresh start. We want a new environment. We want to make it all on our own.
I grew up in Carrollton, TX, which is about 30 minutes from SMU. I didn’t anticipate on going to a college so close to home, in fact I didn’t even consider it. But when it came down to choosing the college I wanted to spend the next 4 years of my life at, SMU just felt like the best fit. And although I’ve only been at college for a month, I can honestly say that I have no regrets about the decision I made. One of the best parts about going to college so close to your hometown is the fact that your family is just a few miles away. Sometimes it’s nice to get a few hours away from the constant bustle of college life and just spend some time alone or with your family. Anytime you miss being in your room or want a nice, home-cooked meal, it’s comforting knowing that home only a short drive away.
A part of the college experience as a freshman is getting sick. Especially at the beginning of the year, it’s inevitable. Whether it’s you, your roommate, your friend or your boyfriend, someone you know is probably sick and you will get sick at some point during your freshman year. Being sick, feeling horrible and having to go to class anyway can get pretty overwhelming. But the great thing about living being so close by is that you can literally go home whenever you want. You can go and be in your own private space and take comfort knowing that your parents are right there if you need anything.
Watching your friends from high school go to colleges across the country and experience all these new places, new cities and new cultures can be a little disheartening, but there’s a certain sense of specialness in getting to rediscover your love for the city you grew up in. Although I grew up 30 minutes away from Dallas, I never really got to explore the city and learn all that it has to offer. But in the month that I’ve been here, I already feel like I’ve gained so much knowledge and I can’t wait to discover even more new places and make even more new memories at a place that truly feels like my home away from home.