Major University Dilemma: Family? Friends? Scholarship? Distance?

Question

I am oh so torn. I have already accepted my acceptance to the University of Ottawa, which I love as a school, and is a perfect choice for my program. The problem is, I live in a suberb of Toronto, and it is a five hours away from home. I have one or two close friends at the University in second year now. Additionally, my cousin is at the University of Carleton, not too far down the road from uOttawa. We are both 17. However! The greater majority of my friends are going to the University of Toronto. The university does not even offer the program I am interested in, and thus I'd have to switch my major. But Toronto is also a 15 minute train ride away from home, and I could visit my family more often, as we are quite close. My father also works in Toronto and I could visit/see him invariably.

I did not even apply to U of T, but could easily get in with my grades. And Ottawa U has given me a hefty scholarship. I am torn and often feel like I am making the wrong choice. Help!

Answer 1

First, remember what college is all about. People attend universities to gain a degree in a field they are interested in, and normally want a career in. That being said, I think if U of O has your program and has offered you a nice scholarship, go for it. The fact that U of T doesn't even have your program could cause stress and unhappiness for you in the future.

Also, 5 hours away is not bad at all. I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida for college (an airplane ride away) and loved being on my own and meeting new friends. Sure it feels like the friends you have now will be in your life forever, but the friends you make in college are some of the best too. You also don't want to miss out on that aspect either.

I know how you feel about family, I miss mine a lot too! But it's also good to gain independence from them as well, and 5 hours away isn't too bad for a weekend trip.

Hope this helps!! :)

Answer 2

I'll definitely stick with Ottawa if I were you. There, you can get the course you like. Distance is not a problem if you live in residence. You can always visit your family during the hols.

PS: I'm going to Trinity College, U of T this summer even though my parents are living in another continent.

Answer 3

Don't change. I know you'll have to make new friends, but college works like that. You can still be friends with high school classmates with that distance.

But if U of T doesn't offer the program you want, don't change out of it.