Ayla Allen, a freshman at Princeton University, has always known that she wanted to go to the East Coast because of Ivy League schools.

However, the option of whether to stay in the comfort of home or to go on an adventure to the unknown in another state is often difficult.

“Make sure that long distance is for you. Some people have that family support. Look at what you need to succeed in a college environment,” said Allen, Class of 2014 Valedictorian.

Going out of state introduces new cultures, experiences, surroundings, opportunities, independence, people and many more, according to college counselor Linda Zimring. Who encourages students to get out of their comfort zone. But there are individuals who prefer to stay in state because they are not ready to cope without their families.

“You go to be independent and mature. A parent can’t help,” Zimring said. “You have those kinds of things happen in different ways throughout your life. It’s empowering to grow as individuals. Maybe to challenge their own internal views.”

With students living on their own comes friendships between new people who are going through similar situations and more responsibilities.

“Moving across the country forced me to learn to be more independent, meet new and interesting people and finally learn how to manage time,” said Bradley University sophomore Patrick Avognon Jr.

Both Avognon and Allen live in dorms. It was a challenge for them and their roommates. Avognon and his roommate both grew up as only children and have never had to share a room. Avognon said it is easy for anyone to have a roommate by being an open-minded and rational person.

In Allen’s words “you’re all thrown into Hell together.” She of course does love Princeton and her roommate who she considers “the most amazing roommate ever.”

Another concern with going to an out of state college is homesickness. Most college students experience homesickness but there is always ways of dealing with it.

“I do get homesick every so often. When I do I call old friends, my parents and reconnect. Moving has a way of making you use your support systems as often as possible which is funny considering how I left high school thinking I was ready to take on the world,” said Avognon.

Something that teens need to look into before applying to colleges is whether they prefer an urban city or a rural area. Weather is also different depending on where you go. Being Californians makes it difficult to adapt to cold weather.

“There are seasons here. The trees are changing colors. You get to meet a lot of different people. It’s a different dynamic in the east coast. It’s a whole new atmosphere here,” Allen said.

Allen attends Princeton University, one of the Ivy League schools, which is located in New Jersey. Ivy League schools are known for their academic excellence.

Comparing programs to find some that work for the individual and what is preferred is important. More out of state universities are trying to attract California students (according to an article in the Huffington Post) by moving admission officers to populated states such as California and New York along with many others.

Leaving the comfort of home does come with consequences but many benefits such as adaptive ability and lifelong learning and growing experiences come out of setting yourself aside from the crowd and choosing what is best for yourself.

“If there’s any advice I have to give to students moving out of state, it would be that no matter how scared you are, college is all about the experience. Don’t spend time dwelling on the fact that In-N-Out isn’t a dinner option anymore. Embrace the adjustment and enjoy it,” Avognon said.