I moved out of state for college. I wanted the opportunity to have a fresh start and re-discover who I was. There is no better time to do that than college. While I didn't want to move across the country, I still wanted to experience a state other than California. I ended up going to school at the University of Oregon, which was not too far from home but it wasn't a quick car ride either.
There are definitely instances where I wish I could be home within an hour or two, and spend the weekend with my family and friends that I left behind. However, I don't regret leaving home. In fact, I think if it is a plausible option, moving out of state for college could be beneficial for everyone.
1. College is a time for experimentation
College is the time in your life that you'll have the most freedom ever. For the first time you're in complete control of everything, with nobody forcing you do to anything. Everyone should try to experiment with different aspects of life in college. This could include but isn't limited to: picking up a new hobby, studying something you couldn't in high school, joining clubs, or moving far away from home.
2. You'll get a fresh start
Only about 15 people from my hometown attend my college of 20,000 students. Out of the four years I've been here, I only bumped into them less than five times. My point is, it might be nice to go somewhere you're not well known.
High school can be really hard for some people, and sometimes you just need a chance to rebrand your image. College is the perfect opportunity to be who you've always wanted to be. There is no limitations. Say hello to the new you.
3. It'll be a change of scenery
If you've lived in the same place your entire life (like me) it might be good for a little change. Even if your hometown is amazing, it could be refreshing to live somewhere else. Each state has something different to offer, and you could fall in love with something your home state just doesn't have.
There are different customs, popular foods, events, and sports team in the different states. Even if you end up preferring your home town, after four years of college you can always move back.
4. You'll meet new people
When you move away from home, you are forced to come out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and adapt to the environment around you. I lived in the same town my whole life and while it was amazing, there was no diversity whatsoever. Everyone was super nice, but at times people seemed like perfect molds.
I wanted something different so I went to a popular school with a wide variety of people. Unsurprisingly to me, all of my closest friends in college are nothing like people from my hometown.
