Being an Out of State Student

The start of my semester has been packed full of class assignments, fun activities, work, and plenty of other things to keep me busy. I have been energized by being back on campus, and thrilled to reconnect with my friends. But there is one sad thought that has been on my mind. For the first time in my life, I don’t know when I will go home next. I am an out of state student, and Purdue is about a ten hour drive from where I grew up. For the past year and a half I have gone home for almost every break, but things are beginning to change. This spring break I will be going on an outing club trip, this summer I will be working in another state without time to visit home, and we even already have family travel plans for next winter. I am thrilled by my new opportunities, but I am experiencing a large sense of loss as well. There’s something about not knowing the next time I’ll be in my old room, drive through our little town, or see my dog, that makes it really obvious that I have grown up.

For any out of state students who are nervous to make the jump, it is still one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being away from home has pushed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and is preparing me for the realities of life – when I will truly be out on my own. I cope with my sadness by trying to stay in close touch with my friends from home, calling my mom, dad, and sister frequently, and cultivating strong relationships at school. I am so grateful to say that I have found multiple groups of people who feel like a second family, and provide the support that I miss from home here at Purdue.