It's that time of year. The time when students have just about completely settled into their new college lives, and are getting ready for all of the visits from parents and trips home for the holidays. But what is it like for those of us who aren't all that far from home? Like with all things, there are pros and cons
PRO: You're just a short trip away from family.
If you grew up in a big family, or if family has a big place in your heart, living close to home is a good thing in college. You can visit them, and they can visit you. That's not to say you won't miss them. Sometimes being even a few minutes away can be tough when you're on your own, but at least there's a support system just around the corner.
CON: You find all sorts of excuses to go home.
Some people might wonder how this is a bad thing. It's not always, but you find that you're home every other day to get more clothes or watch TV on something bigger than a laptop. All the time at home adds up, and sometimes you feel like you don't want to leave. it can make going back to school harder, or serve as a distraction from your studies.
PRO: The food!
Okay, so by now I've discovered that college food actually isn't half bad. However, home-cooked meals can be a blessing. The food is hot, tasty, and guaranteed to be something you like!
CON: The sense of independence isn't always 100% there.
For a lot of people, college is a time to stop relying on their parents and start living their own life. When you're close to home, however, it can feel like you are still relying on them. Sometimes this can be good, but if you're looking for that 100% independent feeling, living close to home won't guarantee that.
PRO: You can do your laundry at home.
Though it might not sound amazing, it is. Being able to bring your clothes home to use the washing machine you know will get your clothes cleaned the way that you want is fabulous. It can also help when you're in a pinch and all the washing machines at school are in use on the weekends.
CON: You don't get to journey to a new and unexplored land (or at least a far away one)
Living close to home means that you will likely be staying in an area that you are at least somewhat familiar with. You might not get the adventure of traveling across the country, but you still get the exciting experience of college itself.
No matter where you go for college it's bound to be an adventure as long as you are passionate and aren't afraid to try new things. And yes, new things can be found even when you are close to home.
