Moving interstate for university is an American rite of passage, but it’s a choice that’s often overlooked by Australian students.

Admittedly the temptation to stay home can be strong: your friends are there, you already have somewhere to live, and you’re an expert in where to find the tastiest cheap eats. But it’s important to not let convenience stop you from pursuing the uni experience that’s going to be best for you – because sometimes the course that will lead to your dream career is only available a bit further afield.

To help you weigh up the benefits of studying interstate, here are five solid reasons why you should consider making the move. It could be the decision that makes all the difference down the track.

#1 You’ll Get A Fresh Start

I know it’s somewhat of a cliché to talk about how much you can change and ‘find yourself’ at uni but that’s legitimately what happens. A fresh place means a fresh start and really giving yourself the opportunity to grow into who you want to be… Even if you have absolutely zero idea who that is yet.

Especially as you’re coming out of the bubble of high school life, taking some space from your regular circles and habits will let you see what kind of life you choose to have when those factors aren’t in the mix. You can find out a lot about yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone.

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#2 You Can Access Great Courses

It’s best to face the facts sooner rather than later. The city you now consider home may not have the right courses for you. Looking outside of a narrow radius means access to so many more courses than are available in one city-wide search. The right choice isn’t always the local choice.

Especially if you have specific interests or skills you want to focus on, the likelihood that your hometown just happens to have exactly what you’re looking for is too low to risk it. Definitely broaden your search and have a look at what’s out there so that you can take full stock of all the choices before simply conceding to the convenience of home.

Often, if you choose to attend university on-campus rather than online, you’ll also find that you have a whole lot more subjects to choose from. Win!

Deciding what degree you want to pursue is a huge decision and for all of the time, money and general life significance it will amount to, it’s something that should be chosen not simply because it’s local, but because it’s the right fit.

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#3 You’ll Find Your Independence

It’s always going to be a big deal when you first decide to move out of home. Diving into the deep end of independence means new responsibilities, freedoms and opportunities, but for the most part, it’s a whole lot of excitement.

While the temptation to study locally and retain all the cushy comforts of living at home is very real, you also retain a sense of childishness while your parents are still doing your washing. When you move out on your own, you get to enjoy the sense of maturity that comes with that.

Plus, life on-campus at uni is the perfect transition. Most students are moving out for the first time and everyone is just trying to figure out how to look after themselves. It’s the perfect recipe for some memorable disasters and a whole lot of fun.

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#4 You Can Explore Somewhere New

Making a new place your home means discovering a whole new local culture and welcoming experiences that are unique to that community. Each Aussie state and town is distinct from the next.

Bathurst has a separate appeal to Melbourne, which is unique from Perth, which is different again from the fresh culture and opportunities you’ll find in Launceston. Every place is different.

It’s super exciting to be able to explore somewhere new and be exposed to fresh ideas. You’ll discover a different live music scene, different art exhibitions, different local events, work opportunities and different people that you would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Making the move interstate can give you all the perks of a new environment without being on the other side of the world to your friends and family from home. So really you get the best of both worlds.

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#5 You’ll Be Surrounded By Fellow Newbies

If you decide to dive into the adventure of moving interstate for uni, I guarantee you won’t be alone. You’ll find that you’re surrounded by a thriving community of first-years who are also new to town.

When the year kicks off, plenty of people will be in the same boat. That’s what makes it so exciting. Everyone’s away from home, yet to make friends and most likely very keen to get settled in.

Unis are pretty adept at taking care of all the newbies and making sure there are plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle. There are pretty much always an excess of events lined up on the social calendar for first years to get acquainted and campus culture will keep the social opportunities flowing.,. so you’ll find your squad in no time.

Not to mention, there’s a real sense of community that develops when you go to class with the same people everyday and get to know the lecturers, so when it comes to getting work done, you’re all set to kick ass.

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(Lead image: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt/Netflix)

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Considering taking the plunge and moving interstate for uni? Australian Maritime College, located in Launceston, is a great option. Discover your career in Maritime Industries and explore their flexible study options here.