Going to a college far away is not an experience everyone gets, or wants, to have. I am lucky enough to be experiencing going "away" to school. The town my university is located in is no bigger than my own home town. The campus itself doesn't host too many more students than the school I could have gone to basically for free. I didn't decide to go over 100 miles away to get away from my friends or family. I didn't go away so my parents wouldn't know what I was up to. I didn't move so I could reinvent myself to people who don't know me. I went away, as cliche as it is, for the experience.
When you go away for college, you get to experience things you wouldn't normally get to experience. There is a whole campus of people you can be friends with. None of your professors know you because they're not friends with your parents and they don't go to the same grocery store as you. You are living in a new town with new places and restaurants to explore. Plus now you've already gotten a taste of what it's like to live on your own away from home.
There are definitely downfalls to going away. You don't see your family or old friends every day. Your favorite hangout spots are miles away. And living in a different environment can just be confusing and strange in general.
But ultimately, the good outweighs the bad. Everyone should have the opportunity to go away to school. It prepares you for moving away for a job. Not to mention, gives you countless memories and exciting new experiences.
