People stay home for college for many reasons. Some are financial reasons or even just that they would miss their family too much. Being an already independent person I didn't realize how much leaving home for college would change me and make me understand being a grown up so much more.
You develop some Independence
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/letting-go-new-college-students/
Independence is really important when growing up. When you don't constantly have your family around or even friends from home, you acquire even more independence. It helps you prepare for life after college because you have to learn how to budget and take care of yourself. Your parents might still be there to help you, but in a sense it makes you realize all that your parents really do for you.
You become more social
https://www.lorensworld.com/life-work/health-benefits-of-being-social/
When entering a new setting and maybe not knowing anyone, it makes you have to adapt to your new setting and come out of your box. It might take some time but eventually, you will learn how to meet new people and learn how to network, which is very important in the future when trying to find a job or internship. It helps to know that a lot of people around you are In the same boat. This will make the process a little bit easier.
You get another home (your home away from home)
Cameron Marr
This now city, state or even country will become your second home. Summer after freshman year honestly stinks because you miss all the friends you made and your second home. I never realized how excited I could be to actually go back to school and fall back into that routine.
You get the roommate experience
Cameron Marr
This can be a little scary especially If you don't know your roommate. I think it's honestly better if you do get a random roommate because that is potentially gonna be your first best friend. You learn to maintain your space and develop new living habits. You learn to be respectful of other people even more also.
Freedom
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Freedom-with-Overprotective-Parents-as-a-Teenage-Girl
With more freedom comes more responsibility. You don't have your parents to say hey go to bed you have a big exam in the morning, or do your laundry. This is all up to you to do. You have to keep track of all of your assignments and making sure you are going to bed on time but also having fun. This will help you tremendously in preparing for the real world.
You will be missed
https://www.thebrobasket.com/product/college-care-package/
Maybe you never really got spoiled by your family. Well newsflash you will be missed. I get so excited to get an email saying I got a package, it's one of the best things ever. You never knew how excited you could get over some snacks till you come to college. You won't mind being spoiled, trust me.
You Appreciate More
Cameron Marr
You never think you'll miss your home town till you move away from it then you realize wow I miss being home. I started to miss having my own room where I could shut myself off and more importantly I missed my family.. A LOT. I fought with my sister a lot before I left but when I left I realized those fights are meaningless and that I miss her a lot. I had been taking my family for granted.
These many risks and even failures were definitely worth it for me in the long run. I love my home away from home and I hope you consider these reasons in deciding where you want to spend the next 4 years of your life.