Unsure about what uni to attend (+ any personal stories on the matter would be useful)

[Marguerite]

Okay so here is my problem. I applied to two universities (well three, but only two I have any interest in going too). I've already got my acceptance for the first (my local one) and the other one (interstate) won't come for about 3 weeks. I know that's kind of assuming I'll get in but I got a really high ATAR score (well above the clearly in rank), I'm finacially disadvantaged and thus part of a program which would get me in with a much lower score than I actually got and, frankly, I'm trying to get into arts and not something more competitive.

For the past year I've been working my ass off to get into the interstate one. It paid off because I got a really good score but now I'm not sure I want to go. I come from a small state (Tasmania) and I've always loved Melbourne. I wanted to live there, but now I'm really apprehensive about it, because, well, what if I hate it? What if I'm not capable? I know what it's like here. I know I can do it, and it's comfortable. Plus I have a strong support system here and will also know people at uni. Also, staying at home is not an option either way because my mum is moving far away. But it would probably be cheaper to stay for a poor student on centrelink like me. Scholarships haven't been offered yet so I can't speak about that front.

Oh, and on the universities themselves, the interstate one is far better. I wouldn't call my local one bad, it just caters to a large range of people, from really bright students to students who shouldn't really be in university in the first place (and who likely wouldn't have gotten in anywhere else). The other is one of the best in the country, but, given that, it's harder and a lot more competitive.

So basically I just wanted to ask people around here what their experience was if they moved to attend university. Or maybe you were going to move but decided to stay. Maybe you transfered. Any vaguely relevent information would be appreciated.

[Elizabeth]

In my opinion (which doesn't matter at all, considering this is your decision), you should go to the university with the best education for your major. As a freshman in college, I see so many people who decided to go where their friends were or the college close to home and they HATE it. You need to go where your education is best, because that is the most important thing. You will make new friends (unless you sit in your dorm room and totally exclude yourself from everything). Moving out can be scary. Will you be staying in dorms?

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

In my opinion (which doesn't matter at all, considering this is your decision),

No, you've given me a lot to think about and made some good points. I wouldn't have asked this if I wasn't interested in other opinions (though I realise it comes back to me).

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

Will you be staying in dorms?

I'd be staying in off campus student accomodation (which is not tied to the school) and has individual rooms.