Distance and Decisions

Since my uni starts much later than the standard US school, I’ve watched my friends head off while I have another month here. With all the goodbyes, I can’t help but think about distance and what it means to be separating from people who were such staples in my high school life. Since I haven't started school yet, I don't have any advice on being actually at college, so, I've drawn from what I do know forwards and backwards: the intricacies of trying to find a college that fits. So, I’ve decided to dedicate this post to those of you embarking on the journey of choosing a college.

I am not just going away for college, I am going very far away. I won’t see my parents. I won’t see my old friends. To some people that might be frightening or unappealing, but I knew what I was doing when I started looking at universities in the United Kingdom. That’s an important element that everyone should take into consideration when they start looking at colleges and when they whittle down their final decisions. Are you going to be happy once you get there and away from your family and high school friends?

I love my family and my home, but I also love to travel and have never been one to be homesick. So, my choice is perfect for me. But as my brother begins his own college application process, he can’t bear the idea of not being able to come home whenever he wants. It all just depends on who you are.The important thing is to know where you stand on this issue when you start to apply. You may think it sounds better to go to a prestigious school far away, but no amount of prestige can counterbalance four years filled with misery! I know people who have found their “dream school” far away from home only to return a year or even just a semester later to attend schools that bring them closer to home because they didn’t know what they were getting themselves into.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’re applying for college this year (or in any year soon to come!) keep in mind who you are and what you want. Ahead of you lay four years of blank canvas and it’s up to you to turn them into a masterpiece you’ll want to look back on in years to come. Though there are many components to choosing a school, the distance is a very important factor that you can’t overlook.

Comments

[Jerry @ College Mentor]

I think one of the best things that can happen at college is showing up in a completely new environment and learning to fend for yourself. It really is a confidence boost once you get it all figured out and start making new friends. Good luck!