As I enter my final semester at UNCW, I think about the fact that I decided to attend college in my native hometown of Wilmington, NC. It’s something I never really thought about—I knew I wanted to stay close to home, get the degree at this college, and several other things that made UNCW appeal to me—but as I’ve met more people I’m reminded that most don’t go to college in their home town. It’s given me an interesting perspective that I doubt I would have had if I went away to college.
For those of you out there who’ve been in my shoes, or wonder what it’s like, here are some things I’ve experienced from going to college in my hometown.
- It Feels Familiar
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You recognize street names, areas in town, restaurants, grocery stores…you know your town well and being in college doesn’t feel that far from home.
- It Also Feels Different
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I had rarely been on UNCW’s campus before I transferred to the school. I wasn’t familiar with the landscape of campus and learned a lot about the environment there.
- You Meet Interesting People From Around The World
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Most of my friends are from North Carolina, but some are out of state, and some are even from out of the country! It’s interesting to hear their perspectives on Wilmington from an outsider’s point of view, as well as learn about their hometown and what it’s like there.
- You Sometimes Forget Most Students Aren’t From Here
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Sometimes, I’ll mention a street name/area of town/another obscure part of Wilmington that only a native or someone who’s done extensive research on Wilmington would know, and people are confused. It’s similar to my reaction whenever a friend mentions living in another area I’ve never been to before. This has definitely helped me learn how to better explain things and not to assume what people do and don’t know.
- You Wonder What It’s Like To Go To College Out Of Town
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I’ve definitely wondered how my college experience would have been if I went out of my hometown. I don’t live on campus so I always wonder what that would be like. What about the scenery? How would I get to know other people? Would I ever stay on campus over break? It’s something you never know.
