College is a big change from high school. While some people drift toward what’s familiar, others would prefer to start this next part of their lives by leaving their hometowns for an entirely new state. But the change doesn’t have to be a scary one. Leaving home can be one of the best things you can do for yourself at this time of change for many reasons.
1. You can reconnect with family.
If your family is like mine, it is spread out across the country, or maybe all over the world. I have family members that I’ve met as a toddler and never seen again because they just lived too far away. Moving out of state for a few years can help you reconnect with these family members and form new relationships.
2. You can explore a new city.
I know every street, alley, park, restaurant and office building in my hometown. It took me 18 years of exploring, but I did it. New cities pose new adventures that you will have four years to take on and master. You can discover new restaurants, clothing stores, parks and landmarks. By the end of your four years, you will have learned all the secrets of another city.
3. You can start completely fresh.
There are so few opportunities in life to reinvent yourself. College is one of those times. You can try a new study plan, become a vegetarian or change up your entire style without anyone knowing that you’ve never tried any of those things before. If you’re starting fresh, why not do it where no one knows who you are and who you were?
4. You can study what you’re passionate about.
No two college major programs are exactly the same. And not every school has the same programs to choose from. Chances are, you’ll need to leave the comfort of home in order to find the program that will give you the best education in your field of study. Just because you live near one of the best universities in the country doesn’t exactly mean it’s the best for what you want to study.
5. You can expose yourself to different points of view.
There are thousands, if not millions, of different viewpoints in the world. Traveling to and living in different places can expose you to opinions different from your own. Learning about other cultures, religions and political views can help you understand what is going on in the world and understand views that oppose your own.
I highly encourage you to go out and explore an out-of-state school!