Students stay in-state for college for many reasons. It is so much cheaper, you stay closer to home, and you get to visit family more often. Sometimes staying in-state also helps you receive more scholarships. Which honestly, who would want to turn those down? But I, for one, did. I decided to attend college outside of my home state and I am grateful for this decision every day. Here are ten reasons why I think every high school senior should attend college out-of-state.

1. The chance at a fresh start

I know, I know, you hear this all the time about college. "It's a chance to start new. It's so much better than high school." But I am serious. College lets you find yourself and who you are. No one cares about your past mistakes.

2. Making new friends

If you attend college in-state, you're more likely to go to the same college as friends from high school and why would you attempt to make new friends when all of yours from home are right there? Maybe in the same dorm room. While this may be seen as a good thing, you are not expanding your circle by doing this. It is great to meet some really awesome people in college and there are a lot on campus, you just have to keep your eyes open.

3. Literally forcing yourself to make new connections

While this ties into #1 it is also important enough for its own number. In high school, you constantly learn about how important for you to have good connections. In college, it is 10000x more important. The connections you make here are the people that will help you get future jobs, the ones that are going to help you get that dream career as even a possibility. The professors are always available to help and will usually help you build connections on LinkedIn. (Oh, and if you don't have one of those, you will soon.)

4. Learning the school's traditions

When my parents found out I was going out-of-state for college, I think my dad almost cried. It was not a university that my parents ever thought that I would go to. This being said, I didn't know any of the traditions of my new school. The clap being one of the hardest to learn. Learning all of this information and why the traditions are so important to the school has been a fun and overwhelming experience.

5. Becoming more independent

Yes, it's college. We aren't completely in the real world yet. While many parents still support us mentally, physically, and some of us financially, we are also starting on our own. Going out-of-state decreases this without completely throwing us out to the wolves. I know that I can still depend on my parents, but I also know they can't bring me everything I need or set up doctor appointments for me. (Trust me, my mom wouldn't do this for me, I tried.) But I am grateful I have to do these tasks for myself.

6. Not being able to go home every weekend

I know what you're thinking. Why wouldn't I want to go home for a cooked meal every weekend? While I do enjoy those while I am home, I love having to drive six hours to get home. I cannot tell you how many times I have thought about heading home for the weekend because I felt the need to be with family or pet my cat, but I am grateful that I can't. I am learning how to be by myself and it is the starting of the rest of my life.

7. Finding your home away from home

While I have only lived in my dorm for about three months, it is my new home. Well, the campus in general. I have found my favorite place to hang out, my favorite people, and the best study places. While I was back in my hometown, I kept thinking about things I needed to do when I get home. I still refer to my parents' house at home as well though. At the moment, home is two completely different places and a state away for each other and honestly, it's the best thing ever.

8. Getting mail is the best

This one sounds so nerdy but it is true. I check my mailbox at least once, if not twice, a day in hopes of a care package or a card from family. It is great to hear from home in this way and not just a call or text every once in a while. It helps you remember that your friends and family from home are thinking of you and support you.

9. When you finally get to go home

While the campus has become my home, I will always be excited (sometimes counting down the days) when I get to go home and visit the friends that were there for me when I needed them and even though the distance has stayed by my side. You also feel so grateful being able to see your family, home cooked meals become a blessing, and you just want to sit with your family and watch TV.

10. Studying abroad

For my university, we are offered the great opportunity for study abroad programs. A great chance to get that traveling you want to do done before actually stepping into the real world. When you're an out-of-state student, studying abroad is also a great opportunity to get a semester a little cheaper. At KU, out-of-state students receive in-state tuition rates while studying abroad. So why wouldn't you take this chance to explore the world?

So while you, high school seniors, are thinking about colleges, make sure you explore your options. Every campus is different and the one that you like the most is more than likely not in your state. Keep out-of-state colleges in mind as you take your tours and fill out applications. You have a whole world to explore, so why not start now?