Your college journey is going to be a blast. As an out-of-state student, you’ll experience new adventures far from your hometown — an idea that probably excites and overwhelms you. How do you get ready for life in another state? Start with our five tips on how to prepare for an out-of-state college.
When you hoist your last suitcase into the car, pull out of your parents’ driveway, and head for college in another state, you’re embarking on the journey of a lifetime. As the landscape changes, so will the culture, the food, and even the common forms of entertainment. (Snow skiing turns to water skiing the farther south you go.) Each new experience will enrich your education.
USF’s three campuses are on the Gulf Coast of Florida, a region that is rich in history, culture, and wildlife. (Just wait until you see your first alligator, which still resembles its ancestors from 80 million years ago.) From sugar-white sand beaches to fresh-caught seafood to world-class art museums and bustling nightlife, the region has plenty to keep you busy. Make time to explore everything.
If you’re studying at USF Tampa, don’t miss:
If you’re studying at USF St. Petersburg, don’t miss:
If you’re studying at USF Sarasota-Manatee, don’t miss:
Adventures don’t have to be limited to your college town: You can also travel the world through a study abroad trip. At USF, global travel opportunities are a priority for our students, so we offer program options in more than 25 countries around the world. Not only will studying abroad earn you a stamp in your passport, it will also help you gain valuable global networking skills and language practice. International travel might even boost your creativity: “New sounds, smells, language, tastes, sensations, and sights spark different synapses in the brain and may have the potential to revitalize the mind,” explains this Atlantic article.
Before you pack your suitcase, research the weather. You might be surprised at how much a new climate can change your lifestyle. USF’s three campuses are in the humid, subtropical Gulf Coast region, where highs in the 80s and 90s are common. In other words, leave the snow boots. Pack the sunscreen.
Here’s a sample list of garments you might want to bring to the Gulf Coast region:
Getting ready for a new climate goes beyond knowing what to pack. It also means finding out how locals live. In Florida, residents know to drink plenty of water, keep to the shade on hot summer days, take mosquito repellent to picnics, pack an umbrella during rainy season, and stay alert for severe weather. Talk to your university’s residential services staff to learn the steps you should take to stay safe and comfortable in your new environment.
At some point during your first semester, you’re going to feel homesick. It’s a rite of passage for new students. But if you prepare for the emotional upheaval, it can make the transition easier:
Moving to a new state means switching up your routine. Make sure you have everything you need for daily life:
Attending an out-of-state university doesn’t necessarily mean that your tuition will be more expensive. The University of South Florida’s tuition rates are competitive with many local schools. But even if your tuition costs are equivalent, you may experience a higher net cost at an out-of-state school. To begin estimating your expenses, try this:
If you haven’t done so, make an appointment with a financial aid counselor who can help you determine your total cost of attendance. Remember, scholarships and financial aid can help you offset some of these expenses. (You can get more tips on our recent post, “Money 101: The College Student Budget.")
Questions about starting your college life at USF? Learn more about our university here. And be sure to download our condensed PDF guide of this post so you can have it on hand as you get ready for your adventure. Good luck!