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How hard is it to go to a college thats a city away??
I'm asking because I'm planning on going to San Jose State
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Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Francis,
Since you live in San Francisco, you have a huge choice of semi-local colleges and universities that you can go to and still be fairly close to home. It's totally normal to go to a college a city or more away. Most prospective students don't even live in a city that has a university, so of course they go away. Many students don't just go away to another city but to a different state of even to a different country.
Going away to college will require a bit of an adjustment period while you figure out how college works, how taking care of your own life works and until you have made some new friends. But it passes quickly. If you are at a typical age for graduating high-school (i.e. not 12), you are most likely ready for that step. And if you are really not ready (i.e. more than just a bit nervous), consider going to a community college closer to home before you transfer to a 4-year university.
Going to college is a good time in your life to cut the cord and become more independent. You are not only going to study your chosen major but you'll also do a lot of growing into your own person and become an adult. It's hard to do that while living at home because your family would still see you as "the kid". Enjoy the process and discover new things. You will still be in a protected environment in college and you won't be far from family and friends if you need any help or just need to see some familiar faces.
Now, for the logistics of going to college: most students initially live in dorms on campus. Actually, many colleges require freshers to live on campus. As you grow more independent and confident, you can opt to remain on campus or find a room or a shared apartment off campus. Students with family close to campus might also opt to commute to class. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. You'll have to figure out what works best for you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Since you live in San Francisco, you have a huge choice of semi-local colleges and universities that you can go to and still be fairly close to home. It's totally normal to go to a college a city or more away. Most prospective students don't even live in a city that has a university, so of course they go away. Many students don't just go away to another city but to a different state of even to a different country.
Going away to college will require a bit of an adjustment period while you figure out how college works, how taking care of your own life works and until you have made some new friends. But it passes quickly. If you are at a typical age for graduating high-school (i.e. not 12), you are most likely ready for that step. And if you are really not ready (i.e. more than just a bit nervous), consider going to a community college closer to home before you transfer to a 4-year university.
Going to college is a good time in your life to cut the cord and become more independent. You are not only going to study your chosen major but you'll also do a lot of growing into your own person and become an adult. It's hard to do that while living at home because your family would still see you as "the kid". Enjoy the process and discover new things. You will still be in a protected environment in college and you won't be far from family and friends if you need any help or just need to see some familiar faces.
Now, for the logistics of going to college: most students initially live in dorms on campus. Actually, many colleges require freshers to live on campus. As you grow more independent and confident, you can opt to remain on campus or find a room or a shared apartment off campus. Students with family close to campus might also opt to commute to class. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. You'll have to figure out what works best for you.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Francis, honestly going to a college that's a city away is totally doable and I can tell you from personal experience that it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. I've not only studied in different cities but in completely different countries. San Jose is not far from San Francisco at all so you'd still be close enough to visit home whenever you need to, and that's actually a perfect balance between having your own space and staying connected to family. The hardest part is really just the first few weeks of adjusting but once you settle in, find your routine, and make new friends it starts to feel like home. So don't let the distance scare you because San Jose State is a great choice, and that little bit of independence will help you grow in ways you won't expect!
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Gus’s Answer
Hi there! Going to a college that is away from home can be difficult, especially if you don't know anyone in that city or at the school you are attending. As someone who attended school out-of-state, it was pretty daunting to arrive on that first day not knowing anybody at my school. But I also think it was one of the best things I did, as I was able to find a community based on my interests and surrounding myself with other new students. I would encourage you to put yourself out there and talk to new people about your common interests, take part in activities, and go to new freshman events. Good luck!