Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

You're plagued with the choice of whether or not  

going away to college

  is right for you. You don't know what to decide and you're unfamiliar with the benefits of going away to College. And what about the disadvantages? Here's what a former undergrad recalls about his decision to go away.

Going Away to College for the Full Experience
Paul Armstrong, public relations powerhouse for Burson Marsteller in California, attended Lincoln University (Lincoln, UK) because he wanted to get the full school experience. When it comes to going away to college, Paul points out "without the distance, you really can't get a sense of what it feels like to stand on your own two feet and function independently. It's not the only way by any means, but I think people who go away to college get more out of the experience."

Returning Home After Going Away to College
Once the "going away to college" experience is done and over with, you'll feel as if you've really come into your own. There may be struggles and difficult situations -- after all, your Parents won't be there to save you -- but you'll inevitably find yourself. Make no mistake, the psychology and communications Major says the hardest thing about going away to college is returning home. The psychology and communications major explains, "You've become really close to your [school] friends -- you all went through the same things right there in the trenches. Going home for the first time after going away to college is a big shock."

Going Away to College for All the Right Reasons
Although the shock of returning home after going away to college is less than desirable, Paul says he has no regrets. Although the experience was daunting at first, after a week or two, you get in your stride and realize there's a whole world out there you weren't familiar with, he recalls. His only advice to students going away to college: "Take chances, try everything, and do what feels right for you. College, to me, was about finding out about yourself, just as much as the subject you're learning. Make sure it's memorable for all the right reasons."

For Paul, the decision was simple -- go away to college for the right reasons, make the most out of the experience, and be prepared for your return back home. Like he said, it's going to be a valuable time in your life. You'll become independent, learn a lot about several subjects and yourself, and inevitably find yourself. Research going away to college and see if it's right for you.


http://www.collegesurfing.com/content
Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments