Graduating from high school is a fun and eventful time in your life. Choosing a college during this time can be both exciting and stressful. "Do I stay in-state where I'm comfortable, or do I adventure out and start a new chapter of my life?" The possibilities are endless, and if the opportunity is available for you and your family, you should jump on the opportunity and pack your bags! Here are some reasons why you should attend an out-of-state university:

1. There are so many new things to explore.

A new city means completely new surroundings. Being exposed to new cultures and new surroundings means adventuring! Being on your own gives you the opportunity to explore things for yourself without having to wait for someone to give you permission. The world is full of exciting new things, so go find them!

2. You get to learn new traditions and find new norms.

Let's be honest - no town in the United States is the same, especially if you're moving into a college town. Going to a university where the city lives and breathes orange, you begin to realize the town is there to support you and to make sure you succeed all while supporting the school they know and love!

3. It makes going home so much more special.

Of course, you will have friends that will go to school an hour away from home and go home literally every weekend, but since you go out of state for college, there's a whole new meaning of going home. Going home for you means seeing as much family as possible in a short amount of time, but that's what makes the visits fun and exciting.

4. You get to learn new words and phrases you never knew existed.

Okay, so maybe you did know about them, but it was taboo at home to say them. But don't worry, you'll come home with that new twang of a voice, and your family will look at you crazy when you say "y'all." (It happens to the best of us.)

5. You get to bring your friends home and show them your town.

Let's face it... you will be asked so many questions when you tell them you're from a state that's not where your college is located. Being from Nebraska, I got asked if we had a mall to shop at. Little do my friends know, Omaha is a huge city with a population of about 500,000 people! Who woulda thought? So bring your friends home and show them how awesome your hometown is even if they've been questioning your judgment all semester!

6. You get to meet so many new people.

Going out of state where you know little to no people forces you to spread your wings and fly to finding new friends! (And honestly, it's not that bad.) Meeting new people and finding new friends could be the best thing that could ever happen to you. These are your new people, so cherish them!

7. You will have so much more independence.

Leaving your hometown and moving to a whole new city means a lot more responsibility on your shoulders with your newfound independence. Using it wisely could lead to so many new opportunities. Independence can be an amazing thing when using it correctly.

8. The price.

Sometimes out of state costs can be more than those of in state universities. However, with the proper research and scholarship applications, there can be little to no difference in the price of attendance. And if there is a difference, remember that paying off loans doesn't come until after you graduate and then, banks and loan companies will work with you to pay them back!

9. Going out of state could change your life for the better.

Choosing a college is a huge responsibility, and it's something that many high school seniors choose to do when graduating. Whether you stay in state or spread your wings and fly to another state, it's going to impact your life in some way, shape, or form. You won't know until you try it, so make the best decision you can!