My Friends Are Going to College Close to Home. Should I?

For many, geographic location is the determining factor for where they spend the next four years of their life. So, when you’re presented with two college options—one close to home or one located across the country—which one should you choose?

I was adamant about my decision to study far away from Georgia. At the time, I was only considering three locations: Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC. However, my plan to attend a distant college was uncommon. Only a couple of students at my high school attended a school far away. Although my parents were accepting of my college aspirations, they encouraged me to think carefully about my decision.

My dad advised me to do my research and get a clear understanding of what I was getting into, so that there would be no surprises. For me, that meant navigating what college would be like during the winter. What would campus be like when the leaves had fallen, there’s 11 inches of snow, and I’m not able to wear t-shirts to class? These were questions I needed to know.

Even if you don’t end up physically being able to come to campus during your admissions journey, there are a plethora of ways you are able to learn about campus life at NYU, including our Daily Virtual Info Sessions and our takeovers on both Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok! No matter one’s ability to travel, NYU provides the necessary resources so that any student feels well equipped to make a decision come May.

For example, I recommend checking out this Admissions Ambassador’s virtual tour of Gould Plaza.

Thank you, Jaylen!

Reflecting on my NYU journey as I finish up my third year of undergrad, there is one piece of advice I received during Weekend on the Square that I’ll never forget (which has now been rebranded to Home for the Weekend for the Class of 2025). In his welcoming remarks to us, Jonathan Williams, Assistant Vice President of Admissions, said the following:

He didn’t need to say much after that; I was incredibly moved. Immediately after, I called my Nana to give her the A-OK to put down the deposit. And the rest was history! Four months later, I packed my bags and moved 900 miles away, and I never looked back.

Sure, there have been times where I did feel like I was in my panic zone. (Like when I ran out of dining dollars halfway through October because of my Starbucks obsession. Or when I realized that Tisch Hall and the Tisch Building are two different places.) But there have equally been times where being far away from home made me open to the unknown. I’m no longer searching for places of comfort, and I feel encouraged to encounter new situations with ease.

Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely things that I miss about going to college close to home! However, I knew that attending NYU would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to broaden my worldview. Having lived in the same state my whole life, I wanted to break away from the beliefs and judgments I had about the world. I was searching for a place where I could constantly become a better version of myself. I am in my learning zone…every day.

So, if there’s any piece of advice I could end with that’s half as valuable as Jonathan’s, it would be this: Go where you will grow.