In High School I can remember everyone starting to look at colleges they wanted to attend and most students were picking colleges that were a significant distance from home. That was one of the biggest parts of going to college, getting away from home and starting off with all the new freedom. Most students had a goal of being as far away from home as possible. But no one ever really knew what that meant.
Attending college far from home has its pros and cons, but sometimes it is harder than you think not being able to return home for the holidays or to sleep in your own bed over that long weekend. The worst part is definitely not being able to see your dog and cuddle with them when you’re having an off day.
I have always the type of child to be independent and not want to be at home. I am known for how much driving I do because I love to travel and hate being in the same place for a long time. But since I’ve been in college, I’ve started to dislike driving because it takes 5 hours to get home. I never go home during the semester, only for winter break and spring break. Don’t get me wrong I love being away from home and being in New Hampshire, but there are those nights where your friends can just pop home and get a home-cooked meal, see their family, and sleep in their own bed.
Many young adults are ready to get into their college life and leave behind their hometown, but when you experience those homesick days at school; you appreciate everything you grew up with. Sometimes you just want to go out to dinner with your parents and relax because college can get overwhelming and stressful, but when you are far from home it is difficult for your parents to drive up without any notice. When you are sick, you just want to eat soup on your couch watching TV and sleep in the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, I have always stayed at school when being sick and although my roommates would always help out and do anything to make me feel better it is not the same as being at home.
Some of the pros of living so far from home are that you get to experiences friend’s houses for holidays or even can just go to relax for the weekend. Sometimes you just need to get off campus and change the scenery.
It is okay to feel homesick and wish that you could spend time at home. You are always just a phone call away from your family and you can even make that long drive or flight if needed. This is part of growing up and experiencing living on our own, but it is also fine if you decide to take that extra trip home and embrace the yummy food, family time and sleeping in your own bed.
