Many incoming college freshman choose the option to go away to college, but is this a good decision? Many people are shied away by larger tuition rates, and the fear of being on their own.
One of the most common deterrents about attending college away from home is that there aren’t any other people who have travelled from the same place as a student has. The student is worried that when they go off to college, they’ll be alone, and won’t be accompanied by anyone they knew from high school. While this is an understandable fear, it’s also, for the most part, irrational. Making new friends in college is especially easy, given the programs, and opportunities provided by colleges for that specific purpose. Most colleges have programs in place to help people meet new friends before classes start, and get to know them well by the time the semester begins.
Another problem with attending college out of state is the fear that they will more easily be turned-down. However, this is also not the case. According to UCLA’s most recent survey, they found that 76% of incoming freshman were accepted into their number one out-of-state college.
An important privilege to take advantage of the ability to visit a college before the semester starts. This is one of the most important steps for being at ease with a far-away college; as you can see the campus, meet professors, and maybe meet students beforehand. If you make your college decision before visiting for the first time, you may be trapped a long distance away from home in an environment that isn’t right for you. While this may sound like an intimidating circumstance overall, as long as you feel comfortable and at ease at a college, taking the risk is worthwhile. Some colleges have geographic and locational advantages that may not be found anywhere else.
The independence a student faces when going away from home is also a large deterrent. Many students are afraid to live completely on their own and face new challenges without anyone else to support them. But, taking this giant leap is crucial to forming lifelong independence. If a student decides to fully leave home for college, they will statistically be less likely to return to their home in years to come.
Some students fear having anxiety attacks or moments of serious regret when staying away from home at a college. Fortunately, these fears are irrational, as it is far easier to become accustomed to your college than common belief leads on. Many colleges have orientation programs that serve as a way for students to get used to, and comfortable with their college environment before the semester starts.
So, don’t be afraid to leave the nest . . . sometimes leaving the nest allows you to soar.
