What Out-of-State Students Should Know Before Going to College

Deciding where to attend college can seem like a life-changing decision for most young people. When students are trying to decide whether or not they want to attend college in another state, this decision may seem even more monumental. For both students and parents alike, there are several important factors to consider before committing to a college, and there are important preparations to make before they set off.

The Pros and Cons of Going to College Out of State

Going to college out of state comes with its fair share of ups and downs. Attending college somewhere other than their home state may be appealing to students for a variety of reasons, including:

• Personal Growth: Leaving home and being away from parents and a support system can help instill a sense of independence and provide for exciting life experiences.
• Highly Rated Programs: Some students may be interested in attending college out of state in order to receive the best education possible in their field.
• Networking: Meeting new people far and wide can set students up for success and help them become acquainted with a more diverse population.

Going to an out-of-state college may also involve substantial hurdles. Many students with hopes of attending a college in a different state often end up settling for somewhere closer to home due to one of the following reasons:

• Higher Expenses: Attending college out of state is almost always more expensive. On top of that, students forgo the option of living at their parents' home, and they will need to consider things like housing and related expenses.
• Emotional Hardship: Many people may not consider how hard it can be to leave home for the first time and be so far away from their family and friends. This distance can be especially difficult for young adults.

How to Prepare for College as an Out-of-State Student

If you have made the decision to go to college out of state, follow these tips to set yourself up for a successful start:

• Understand your expenses and how you will pay them. This may include applying for financial aid, such as scholarships.
• Do research on the area. When starting a life in a new city, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the area, including important locations on a college campus and in the nearby community.
• Get involved. Joining clubs, Greek life, or sports can help students make connections fast. College may provide an opportunity to pursue both new and old interests and hobbies.

When you arrive on your new campus, hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home, feeling prepared will make all the difference. Embrace this significant change and appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

One of the biggest hindrances for students who hope to attend college as out-of-state students is the financial sacrifices that may be required to do so. While the costs of attending school will likely be higher, many other expenses should be considered as well, including travel, social events, and more.

Fortunately, there are countless scholarships available online that out-of-state students can and should apply for. Students should apply to as many scholarships as possible offered through their university, and they should also take advantage of the large number of legitimate scholarships offered online by third-party donors.

If you are a student who is currently or will be attending college out of state, consider applying to the Fawell & Fawell Out-of-State Student Scholarship. This scholarship is offered once in the fall and once in the spring, and it provides $1,000 to a student who maintains a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.