Did you go to a college far from where you grew up?

Question

i was wondering what it would be like to attend a college that is hundreds of miles away from where i grew up. Right now I live in Texas, but im thinking about going to Washington for college.
if you've done this...
were you home sick? how did you handle it?
if you have a personal experience that you could share, that would be great.

Answer 1

When you're more than a day's drive away, keep in mind that you have to factor in the cost of airfare into your college costs. And it's much more complicated dealing with all your stuff. For example, you wind up buying items like a bicycle and microwave in your college town, but then you have to pay to store that stuff over the summer. Most college students insist on having a tv these days. The list of stuff goes on and on.

You know, it's quite possible to feel far away from home when you're just 200-600 miles away. If you even have to ask about homesickness, I'd think twice about going that far.

Answer 2

I grew up in Chicago and went to college in Florida. For me it was a good experience. I grew up a lot. I made a lot of really good friends who are more like family to me today. Maybe because they became my surrogate family down there. I spent most holidays at one of their homes. My family didn't have much money, so I went home only at Christmas and the summer. Though the first summer was the only time I spent the whole summer at home. Unless you are a real homebody, I'd say go for it. It's a chance to learn about a different region and the people who live there.

Answer 3

I was homesick for about the frst 3 days. Then I started meeting people, hanging out, having a great time.

By the second year, I didn't want to go home. I took summer courses just to stay I liked it so much.

College is what you make of it. If you meet up with great people (and you probably will) you WILL have the time of your life, so it may not matter how close or far from home you are.

Answer 4

I stayed pretty close to home (2 hour drive) for college and I'm not quite sure if it was the best decision or not. I really like my school, but I'm getting sick of being in the Midwest (I'm from MN). My boyfriend went to school in Philly and after visiting him a couple times, I realized how much I missed out on by being so close to home (new environment and independence especially). That's why of the 6 grad schools I applied to, only one is in the Midwest (about a 9 hour drive from home) and the others are too far away to drive to.

If you are thinking of staying close to home for school just remember that in 4 years you might be mad at yourself for not reaching out and going somewhere new. Good luck with your decision!

Answer 5

i went close by and im glad i did. maybe i didnt get a real college experience like being far away from home but i got a good education and was always home if needed.