Why I stayed local for University.

Choosing to study at University can be one of the biggest decisions anyone makes and can massively impact and even change our lives with that one single decision!

Whilst, traditionally speaking, most students tend to move away for University I decided that staying local was the best option for me. Personally, I think it is becoming increasingly more appealing to stay local for university due to the impact cost of living has on students. Don't get me wrong, exploring a new city and having an increased sense of independence is fantastic for character building and adding to your university experience. However, I found this to also be the case by studying locally.

I have lived in Staffordshire (Stoke-on-Trent specifically) for all of my life, and I've explored the county more than I have ever done before through studying at university. I've explored new places and met/networked with many local people that I didn't even know were from the same local area as me! The opportunities and local connections that the university provides allows you to truly feel apart of a connected community, and I personally noticed that through staying local!

Whilst, yes, the experience you get at a university away from your local area will definitely be different to staying at your local one, it definitely hasn't taken away from my overall university experience. In fact, I would argue it adds to it. You see, a lot of the people I have met at university see me as a 'local tour guide', and you can tell they appreciate it having never been to the area before. It's a great way of proudly showing off what your local area has to offer and to highlight the aspects of your local area you are most proud of.

Finally, staying local made total sense to me. For my aspirations, I had everything I needed right on my doorstep. It has also made me feel increasingly prouder to be from my local area. You are representing your local area whilst at your local university. You are part of the people that make up that local area. You get to show to the students who aren't from the area what your local area really has to offer. This alone has made me really proud to not only represent my local area but getting others to appreciate and love it just as much as you do!

So overall, if you are choosing where and what university to go to, your local university might actually just be the right choice for you.

Danny.
PGCE Secondary Physical Education Student.