Choosing to go out-of-state for college is one of the best decisions I've ever made! It has given me the chance to travel across the U.S., meet new people and really establish a sense of independence for myself. If you're thinking about going to an out-of-state college (or even if you currently are), then I hope you read these pointers to get a sense of what it's like.

1. You're not familiar with the area and the local eateries.

You should learn fast because your stomach will thank you later after choosing takeout over dining hall fish tacos.

2. Packing your stuff up was the worst.

You either had to pack your luggages so that they're borderline on the weight limit and fly out to school, or pack your car full to the brim.

3. You have no idea what to do when all of your in-state friends leave for home on the weekends.

4. You've learned how to become very independent quickly.

It's not as if you can go home after a long, strenuous week.

5. On the flip side, you might become quite homesick every now and then.

Maybe even sending your family a list of care package items (you definitely wouldn't mind receiving) since you're so far from home!

6. You can't quite pick up the local slang the other students are using.

And when you try to incorporate it and accidentally use it in the wrong context, they'll immediately know you're not from that state.

7. When you find another out-of-state student, you two practically become BFFs!

And you should probably keep that to yourself.

9. The weather, you came to realize, is very different from what you were accustomed to back home.

You were not at all prepared.

10. Getting excited when your in-state roommate invites you over for break or holidays.

That means home-cooked meals. #foodbaby

11. When you tell other students you're from a far away state, they all tend to react with the similar response.

"Whoa, that's so far! Why'd you come here?!"

12. But in the end, you love that you made the choice to attend an out-of-state university.

You wouldn't want to have your college experience any other way.