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What is out-of-state college life like?
I start college soon but I am not sure if I want to go out of state
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Freya,
Out-of-state college life can be quite different from in-state college life, as it often involves relocating to a new place, adjusting to a new environment, and making new friends.
There are several factors to consider when thinking about out-of-state college life:
1. Cost: Out-of-state tuition can be significantly higher than in-state tuition, so it's important to factor in the cost of attendance and any potential financial aid or scholarships you may receive.
2. Location: Attending college in a different state can mean a new climate, culture, and way of life. Research the location and consider whether it aligns with your personal preferences and goals.
3. Campus community: Out-of-state students may feel more isolated or disconnected from their peers, so it's important to find ways to get involved on campus and build a support system.
4. Academics: Out-of-state colleges may have different academic programs, resources, and expectations, so it's important to research the curriculum and talk to current students or faculty members to get a better sense of what to expect.
Overall, out-of-state college life can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
1. "The Pros and Cons of Attending an Out-of-State College" by U.S. News & World Report
2. "Out-of-State Students: Navigating College Life Away From Home" by The New York Times
3. "The Benefits and Challenges of Attending an Out-of-State College" by Forbes
Out-of-state college life can be quite different from in-state college life, as it often involves relocating to a new place, adjusting to a new environment, and making new friends.
There are several factors to consider when thinking about out-of-state college life:
1. Cost: Out-of-state tuition can be significantly higher than in-state tuition, so it's important to factor in the cost of attendance and any potential financial aid or scholarships you may receive.
2. Location: Attending college in a different state can mean a new climate, culture, and way of life. Research the location and consider whether it aligns with your personal preferences and goals.
3. Campus community: Out-of-state students may feel more isolated or disconnected from their peers, so it's important to find ways to get involved on campus and build a support system.
4. Academics: Out-of-state colleges may have different academic programs, resources, and expectations, so it's important to research the curriculum and talk to current students or faculty members to get a better sense of what to expect.
Overall, out-of-state college life can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
1. "The Pros and Cons of Attending an Out-of-State College" by U.S. News & World Report
2. "Out-of-State Students: Navigating College Life Away From Home" by The New York Times
3. "The Benefits and Challenges of Attending an Out-of-State College" by Forbes
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PwC’s Answer
It's amazing! I go to college at Georgia Tech, and I am from Pittsburgh, PA. You will learn to find your own group of friends and have a new family away from home. Just make sure you get out of the dorm as much as possible so you don't feel lonely :)
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PwC’s Answer
This is a great question! I am from New Jersey and go to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The ability of having to choose to go away out of state was a difficult decision for me to make, especially because I am an introvert and sometimes have difficulty meeting new . My advice for you is that you should definitely give out of state college a chance . I joined a sorority and two choirs at school and made some of my true best friends at college, so its totally worth it!
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Molly’s Answer
Freya,
This is a great question. From personal experience, I attended the University of Arkansas where I initially was living in Texas. I was unsure at first if I wanted to attend the university due to the fact that it was quite a ways from my friends and family back home. I initially did not know anyone going to the same university, and on top of this, I was going through recruitment. I will say, though, that the more extracurricular activities or programs you join, the more you will be able to meet new people and make new friends. If I had not gone and joined a sorority, I would not have the amazing friends that I still know and communicate with to this day. Additionally, I found that living away from home matured me and led me to become more of an adult, in that I learned how to live on my own. You must complete daily tasks that you necessarily did not think to do prior, such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. At home, I did these tasks, but it was more due to the fact that my parents instructed me to do so by an expected time. Once living on your own, you need to find a groove for when to complete tasks, as well as make time to hang with friends and complete your studies. I recommend to own a planner to organize your thoughts, as well as separate your studies based off of the assignments, quizzes, and tests you must focus for for that certain week. A planner was a lifesaver, and I truly and highly recommend utilizing it.
Additionally, if you are not interested in the recruitment life, there are also many activities and programs, depending on the school you attend, that be looking for new members. If you are more shy and reserved, I recommend standing out and attending at least 1 or 2 of these programs. Test it out for half a semester, and if you aren't feeling like that club or activity is for you, then you can definitely leave! These are just a few tips and tricks that I recommend.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
This is a great question. From personal experience, I attended the University of Arkansas where I initially was living in Texas. I was unsure at first if I wanted to attend the university due to the fact that it was quite a ways from my friends and family back home. I initially did not know anyone going to the same university, and on top of this, I was going through recruitment. I will say, though, that the more extracurricular activities or programs you join, the more you will be able to meet new people and make new friends. If I had not gone and joined a sorority, I would not have the amazing friends that I still know and communicate with to this day. Additionally, I found that living away from home matured me and led me to become more of an adult, in that I learned how to live on my own. You must complete daily tasks that you necessarily did not think to do prior, such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. At home, I did these tasks, but it was more due to the fact that my parents instructed me to do so by an expected time. Once living on your own, you need to find a groove for when to complete tasks, as well as make time to hang with friends and complete your studies. I recommend to own a planner to organize your thoughts, as well as separate your studies based off of the assignments, quizzes, and tests you must focus for for that certain week. A planner was a lifesaver, and I truly and highly recommend utilizing it.
Additionally, if you are not interested in the recruitment life, there are also many activities and programs, depending on the school you attend, that be looking for new members. If you are more shy and reserved, I recommend standing out and attending at least 1 or 2 of these programs. Test it out for half a semester, and if you aren't feeling like that club or activity is for you, then you can definitely leave! These are just a few tips and tricks that I recommend.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
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Justin’s Answer
I didn't go out of state for college but I lived a considerable distance from home.
I guess it would depend on your college, but everyone I know - friends, family - had more-or-less the same experience. Ultimately they had a lot of fun.
Just to start out with the weird aspects: I assume you're probably going to start out living and eating on campus. A college is not really designed for living. Some colleges will be better positioned where fast food restaurants or some kind of night life will be nearby, and some...are in the middle of nowhere (as mine was). There will certainly be someone you can talk to about these issues, but they'll always persist. So food choices will probably not be that great, and sometimes living conditions will be kinda weird, like a window screen is slightly busted. I HIGHLY doubt you'll see rats or anything.
Which is why I always say that college is meant for studying. The environment is really designed for that - people will always say that you can learn things at any point in your life, but only a college will minimize the distractions from learning.
That being said, the best part of college is the people. A lot of the friends I have now come from college. A university is full of interesting people. That's the other thing a college is designed for: gathering as many differing perspectives as possible. For people who didn't live on-campus, they always miss out on experiencing that kind of environment. Sure, I have met my fair share of people who were just plain mean, but they're pretty rare. It helps to find a group of people you can study and commiserate with; that kind of camaraderie is very rare in one's adult life.
I can't speak for everyone, but I think you will enjoy it. I myself look fondly back on those times. If you're heading out by the end of the month, I recommend you feed off the adrenaline of being in a new place. It's hard to know how you feel until you're there.
Join a club. I have recommended this to others. I was happy being part of a film club where I got to watch things and didn't have to say much.
Enjoy solitude when possible. I have not experienced it myself, but for some people there can be a lot of drama. Campuses are usually very big so there's always a place to relax and take a breather.
I guess it would depend on your college, but everyone I know - friends, family - had more-or-less the same experience. Ultimately they had a lot of fun.
Just to start out with the weird aspects: I assume you're probably going to start out living and eating on campus. A college is not really designed for living. Some colleges will be better positioned where fast food restaurants or some kind of night life will be nearby, and some...are in the middle of nowhere (as mine was). There will certainly be someone you can talk to about these issues, but they'll always persist. So food choices will probably not be that great, and sometimes living conditions will be kinda weird, like a window screen is slightly busted. I HIGHLY doubt you'll see rats or anything.
Which is why I always say that college is meant for studying. The environment is really designed for that - people will always say that you can learn things at any point in your life, but only a college will minimize the distractions from learning.
That being said, the best part of college is the people. A lot of the friends I have now come from college. A university is full of interesting people. That's the other thing a college is designed for: gathering as many differing perspectives as possible. For people who didn't live on-campus, they always miss out on experiencing that kind of environment. Sure, I have met my fair share of people who were just plain mean, but they're pretty rare. It helps to find a group of people you can study and commiserate with; that kind of camaraderie is very rare in one's adult life.
I can't speak for everyone, but I think you will enjoy it. I myself look fondly back on those times. If you're heading out by the end of the month, I recommend you feed off the adrenaline of being in a new place. It's hard to know how you feel until you're there.
Justin recommends the following next steps:
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Job’s Answer
I would advise that you go the best college for your major rather than the living situation. The better the school the better your earning and professional development opportunities you will have. Believe me. I went to Stanford and got a job on the floor of the NYSE.
I would say that living away from home will be a good learning and maturation experience. At least you will be in a controlled environment surrounded by other students. Living on your own requires preparation. Unless you are very independent and have chores that teach you how to cook, clean, do laundry, pay bills, and more.
Living away from home will give you more independence and time to explore new things. In the event you are not comfortable in living on your own I would say to stay near home, especially if there is a good college nearby.
College will require more studying and discipline than high school. Now Law School was hard for me. In college I was too of my class, and it was not that difficult. The added stress of college may be a bit much. Your goal is to get the best education and grades you can. If you are not excited about moving away from home to go to college then wait until you 3-4th year to move out of your family home, or move when you get your first job.
Really focus on your education and learning as much as possible.
You learn how to learn in college,grad and doctorate level school. I also have an MBA in finance. I am never going back to school again.
Good luck
I would say that living away from home will be a good learning and maturation experience. At least you will be in a controlled environment surrounded by other students. Living on your own requires preparation. Unless you are very independent and have chores that teach you how to cook, clean, do laundry, pay bills, and more.
Living away from home will give you more independence and time to explore new things. In the event you are not comfortable in living on your own I would say to stay near home, especially if there is a good college nearby.
College will require more studying and discipline than high school. Now Law School was hard for me. In college I was too of my class, and it was not that difficult. The added stress of college may be a bit much. Your goal is to get the best education and grades you can. If you are not excited about moving away from home to go to college then wait until you 3-4th year to move out of your family home, or move when you get your first job.
Really focus on your education and learning as much as possible.
You learn how to learn in college,grad and doctorate level school. I also have an MBA in finance. I am never going back to school again.
Good luck
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PwC’s Answer
Attending a college in a different state immerses you in a fresh cultural environment, allowing you to explore beyond the boundaries of your usual comfort zone.
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Jerome’s Answer
There are pros and cons for sure. The cost of going out of state can be pretty intense. If you have a reason for going out of state -better school for instance- it might be worth the opportunity cost. There is also the notion of being somewhere new, experiencing new people and a different culture. Having a diverse viewpoint might serve you well.
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
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A. Michelle’s Answer
Freya - I went to college in a different region after having never lived away from home - even for summer camp. In addition to adapting to academics, I had to adapt to living away from family, being in a region where the culture was a bit different and dealing with non-family roommates. I would do it again. I learned how to adapt to a different environment and manage my non-academic life on my own. I couldn’t afford to go home for all breaks, so I fully embraced my college town and what it had to offer.
Omani Gilliam
Business Executive | Opening the Doors of Power & Influence for Lasting Inclusive Change. Cross-Functional Doer & Cross Silo Collaborator | CFO
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Omani’s Answer
Hi! Pleasure to meet you. Considering attending an out of state college can be challenging. First and foremost, I recommend making sure with your family that financially this makes the best sense for you in the long run. There are so many equally quality education and valued schools that may be miles away from you. On the other hand, attending an out of state school can stimulate great benefits. Learning potentially more emotionally intelligence being away from your family can provide many dividends in the long run. Also, you can capture more of the internal and external distractions of life when you are away in an out of state school. These decisions should be made understanding the support system that you will need and how you can evolve to your best potential. I do not doubt, that you will make a great decision!
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Rita’s Answer
It's ok to leave the state for college. I was born and raised in California and I thought I would die in California but I moved to Nevada. I went to college, medical school, and residency in California. If you think about it, if you go out of state, it's only for four years and you can always come back. Think of it as a way to visit a state and know that in 4 years, you can leave. Life is short and just get the most out of life. Anyways, it's college. You will probably be studying most of the time.
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PwC’s Answer
I love it! I go to college at UNC Chapel Hill, and I am from Pittsburgh, PA. Every day I am challenged to put myself out there and create a home away from home. It takes a leap of faith but is so worth it. College is a chance to be a new and improved version of yourself, so why not do it a little further away from home?! You got this.
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PwC’s Answer
This is a great question! My friends and I have all had experience attending college out of state. I think the main difference is how far away from home you are at your out of state college. Also, keep in mind that you will most likely have to live with roommates and living with another person is definitely an adjustment. Don't be afraid to use academic tools like office hours and help centers.
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PwC’s Answer
Start building a broad network of new acquaintances.
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PwC’s Answer
Hi, I am from Austin, TX as well and ended up going to Indiana University for college. I think being away from my family helped me grow as an adult because I was on my own and had that support system on the phone rather than a few minutes away. While this was challenging sometimes, I am so glad I did it. It was also easier to ranch out socially because there was no one from high school that I knew. Whatever you decide will be great, college is awesome!
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Ka’s Answer
Going to a college located in a different state was the most enriching experience I've ever had. It serves as a valuable stepping stone to self-reliance. You'll be tasked with certain responsibilities like managing your time effectively (planning your classes and extracurricular activities) and handling everyday chores (like doing your laundry). However, if you choose to live on campus, tasks like cooking and other more challenging duties are usually taken care of by the university.
You'll experience growth both socially and academically. On the social front, you'll encounter a mix of individuals from various backgrounds. Seize the opportunity to understand and learn from them. Your friends will eventually become like a second family. In fact, the friends I made during my college years are still part of my life, even after 40 years.
From an academic standpoint, it's important to choose a college that excels in your chosen field of study - assuming you've already decided on one. Avoid selecting a college simply because it's known for its parties or its proximity to skiing facilities from your dorm.
A word of caution - some individuals see college as a chance to reinvent themselves. Remember, you are who you are. I'm not suggesting that change is impossible. However, it's important to understand that you can't run away from who you truly are.
You'll experience growth both socially and academically. On the social front, you'll encounter a mix of individuals from various backgrounds. Seize the opportunity to understand and learn from them. Your friends will eventually become like a second family. In fact, the friends I made during my college years are still part of my life, even after 40 years.
From an academic standpoint, it's important to choose a college that excels in your chosen field of study - assuming you've already decided on one. Avoid selecting a college simply because it's known for its parties or its proximity to skiing facilities from your dorm.
A word of caution - some individuals see college as a chance to reinvent themselves. Remember, you are who you are. I'm not suggesting that change is impossible. However, it's important to understand that you can't run away from who you truly are.
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Pri’s Answer
Moving from my home country to attend an out-of-country(!) college was a transformative experience for me. It had more benefits than drawbacks. I also went to an out-of state college back in the home country. Growing up, I was sheltered, so being on my own at 17 compelled me to mature rapidly and fostered my independence. This experience also boosted my confidence and encouraged me to connect with others. It taught me the importance of building my own community. Being far from home, friends morphed into family, leading to the formation of deep, lasting relationships.
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