<p>quoting tracemhunter: "especially since you live in the landfill known as new jersey."</p>
<p>watch it. just because somebody obviously doesn't live in the greatest state in the united states...</p>
<p>I was born in LA, raised in LA, and then decided to attend UCLA over some East Coast biggies and Berkeley.</p>
<p>I was lucky though. My family thought the 25 minute drive to see me in Westwood was too much. I got space, and lots of it. This meant that my girlfriend and I were able to spend time together. </p>
<p>However, the two most exciting experiences I had as an undergrad were studying abroad and studying in Washington, DC. I'm still not entirely sure if what made them both so fun was the flying far away and being someplace new or just that I lived in two really neat places. But, the feeling of seperation from my family and previous life really helped me to learn about myself and mature quite a bit.</p>
<p>Is it necessary to go far away? No. Just make sure your parents don't come out to see you every other day, and you'll have a blast.</p>
<p>thanks for the input UCLAri.</p>
<p>and yes, oncearunner, i've learned to love NJ.. haha</p>