Going to college out of state can be exciting and fulfilling for many students, but you should know what it entails before choosing this path. I grew up right outside of New York City and knew I didn’t like the kind of fast-paced lifestyle it offered. For me, going out of state to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington was an easy choice because it excited me and offered an escape from the place I grew up in, but it also still felt like a safe next step. A big pro of being an out-of-state student is the opportunity to experience a new place and its unique culture. On the other hand, you should be prepared for the culture shock that comes with going to school outside your home state. Before choosing to go to an out-of-state college, you also need to consider the financial factors of this decision. Leaving your home state for college might be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it doesn’t come without some costs.
Be prepared for culture shock
Upon moving from New York to North Carolina, I was prepared to hear new accents and learn new slang, but there were many things that I didn’t expect. For example, everything seemed to take five times longer than it did in New York, from the traffic lights to the fast-food lines. And speaking of food, I had to familiarize myself with foods like grits, collard greens, and gumbo, which was difficult for me as a picky eater. Even the way people interacted with each other was different from what I knew. I remember being told I was “too blunt” for saying things that felt normal to me as a New Yorker. I also noticed the majority of my southern friends would avoid confrontation and play “fake nice” when conflict arose, which I wasn’t used to.
All this considered, these things made me appreciate where I grew up, and I now have a better and wider perspective on friendships and their value. Moving out of state for college requires an open mind and confidence in what makes you, you—no matter the crowd you’re in. Without these two things, you may find yourself feeling like the odd man out at your new school. Stay true to yourself and you’ll see just how many people are interested in getting to know you and your background!
Related: How to Make More Friends as an Out-of-State College Student
Out-of-state tuition
This goes without saying, but it’s still important to ask yourself if it’s worth it to pay more for out-of-state tuition, especially based on your major of choice. I originally went into college as an Education major, but I would have been better off doing so in my home state of New York, where the pay for teachers is higher and the treatment is better. I recommend researching the states that have the best opportunities for your field of choice before committing to an out-of-state college and its tuition costs.
Extra costs are also no joke
College is always expensive, but it can be extra expensive if you go out of state. Before committing to an out-of-state school, there are a few questions you should ask yourself, starting with, “Am I prepared to pay for flights home for two or more school breaks?” During my first year, my parents wanted me to come home for every single break I had—even the ones that were only four days long. This just wasn’t possible due to the high price of plane tickets. At UNC Wilmington, I usually go three to four months without seeing my family, which is just right for a person like me who is pretty independent. If you want to be able to go home often, an out-of-state college might not be for you.
Transportation
The next thing you should ask yourself is, “If I don’t have a car, how am I getting from one place to another?” This truly depends on the campus, but at my school, the grocery stores and outlet malls are within driving distance...which requires some form of transportation. I spent my very first semester without a car and was miserable having to rely on other people to get me where I needed to go. Having a car in college is also helpful for traveling home from your campus, especially at the end of spring semester when you’re moving everything out of your dorm.
Understand what you’re choosing
When you choose to be an out-of-state college student, you are making a choice that is bold, courageous, and exciting. You’re going outside your comfort zone on a new path of adventure—one that in-state students won’t fully experience. There are a lot of pros to being an in-state student, like going home on weekends, getting home-cooked meals, visiting pets and loved ones, and being able to take a break from living on your own. Still, the out-of-state student experience promotes self-reliance and thus produces a large amount of self-confidence. It can also help you break out of your shell and become a strong and self-sufficient adult.
Related: How to Make More Friends as an Out–of–State College Student
In the end, where you go to college is up to you. You get to pick the setting for the next chapter of your story, so make it somewhere that is empowering, beautiful, and makes you feel safe to be yourself.
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