Is it better to study out of your hometown or disregard that option?

Hi Naomi,

Great question! Picking where to go to school is a hard decision, especially when thinking about locations. Having lived in two very different places (South to North) during my life, I would recommend stretching your comfort zone a little when it comes to college (or your first job). Moving away from your hometown, in my experience, allows you to meet different kinds of people, with stories very different than your own. It challenges your preconceived notions and allows you to solidify your beliefs and why you believe them. While it's terribly daunting to leave all that you know, I hope that if you choose to challenge yourself in this aspect, you'll learn new things about yourself along the way. And, if you hate the place you go, you can always transfer, or after you graduate, go home and never look back. Also, if you want to stay local, try taking advantage of a study abroad program when you can visit somewhere new for a shorter period of time.

Hi Naomi,

It ultimately comes down to what you want to do. Do you want to live somewhere else for a few years? Have you considered what the cost of tuition in or out of state would be? There are many other factors that you have to take in to consideration that are relevant to your comfort levels and financial situation.

Personally, I chose to attend school close to home but that is because there was a very good business program at my local university but at the same time I would have loved to have traveled somewhere else in the country or a neighboring state and attended school there.

You have to weigh your options and what is important to you, good luck!