<p>Do you think it's worth it to go to school far from home, or better to stay nearby? </p>
<p>Personally, I'm deciding between a few schools on the East coast (Wellesley, Smith, SUNY Geneseo) and one on the West (Scripps). </p>
<p>Have you had a hard time dealing with homesickness and expensive trips home? Do you enjoy being in a completely different environment-- maybe with better weather or friendlier people? Does a school that's only a few hours away from home feel as if its even farther than you thought?</p>
<p>That's an entirely personal thing. I love being really far away from home and experiencing something completely new. But some people would much rather be close to friends and family.</p>
<p>You have to make that decision for yourself.</p>
<p>I agree that is very personal. My daughter had to make the same decision but she settled for a college in CA because she loves sunny weather. She said she would sleep all day if the weather is cold/rainy.</p>
<p>Personally, I think California is too much of a hassle for an east coast student. Besides the cost of flying home ( which includes transportation to and from the airport ) there is a lot of time involved in getting back and forth. My child had this dilemna and solved it by going to the the U of
Chicago instead of California. So yes, a plane ride home is involved, but the fare is lower, the flight is shorter, and she doesn't feel as isolated being 1,000 miles from home rather than 3,000 miles. Furthermore, there is a major cultural difference to get used to if you go to school in California which will make the adjustment even more difficult. I know, because when I went to college I chose a California school and had to travel from Connecticut. It really wasn't worth it to me.</p>
<p>Have you been to Scripps ? It is beautiful. We have found really affordable flights from Manchester to Ontario (15 min drive to Claremont) on Southwest. Like $99 ow affordable. That said, it's a long way from home and the student has to be ok with that.</p>
<p>hey, it depends on the type of person you are on my opinion, junior year i had to make this choice, because I wanted to go to schools all over the U.S(including one in Alaska lol) But after giving it some thought, I decided that my family is important, I have only been living with my mom for 6 years, and Commuting in NYC would save me money as well( I am from NJ). This worked out for me. I am not telling you to commute or stay in the east coast just letting you in on how i made my own choice. Give it some thoughts, and stuff, I guess what I am trying to say is that this is a big debate and only you can make the choice that is best for you.</p>
<p>i do remember hearing that most students stay 250-500 miles close to home.</p>
<p>I'm staying near home because of the convenience and comfort of being near my family and friends (most of which will be attending the same school or going to the community college). Plus, I figure that because it's a large university, I'll still be exposed to a new way of life with new people and experiences.</p>
<p>If you've got more than a two-hour drive from home, you won't be coming home that often in mid-semester. My D flies 1000 miles to college in a few hours. Once you get on an airplane the difference between 1000-2000 miles or more is just a couple more hours. So the question isn't really how many miles, it's whether you can afford to fly instead of drive. D gets fabulous aid at her college - she could hardly live at home for what it costs her to go there - so spending an extra thousand dollars / year on airfare seems like a bargain.</p>
<p>i lived in france as an exchange student, so maybe going to california wouldn't be that tough. (but who knows! i was homesick while in france). </p>
<p>I looooove the weather in california (yes, i visited!! :)) but my parents are worried @ the cost of tickets and i feel like i might be sad when i can't come home for small holidays and family reunions. hmm... guess its a lot to think about.</p>