To see a column about what it's like being an out-of-state student at MSU, click here.

A s a born and bred Michigander, leaving the state for college didn’t pose itself as a realistic option.

Yeah, the winters suck and it doesn’t have that awesome big-named attraction that even Ohio (yeah, even Ohio) has in Cedar Point, but Michigan is the only state I’ve ever known and loved.

So heading out of state for my higher education was something I only briefly looked into. But now that I’m only a month away from completing my sophomore year on the banks of the Red Cedar, I’ve noticed there are both positives and negatives of remaining in state.

I love MSU, and I’m content with my decision to attend this great university, but I would be lying if I said staying in Michigan was perfect.

Money

One of the obvious benefits of staying in Michigan for school is simply not having to pay out-of-state tuition. I couldn’t imagine having to pay double the tuition for the same education. I don’t understand why living out-of-state should make that kind of difference when it comes to tuition, especially when our school prides itself on diversity.

But regardless, that’s how it is and it definitely bodes well for me and my fellow Michiganders.

Relationships

Another positive I find with going to an in-state school is being able to relate to other students more often. Being from Ann Arbor —not once did I root for the maize and blue, so hold the boos — I generally would be able to relate to my fellow students through simply living in a well-known Michigan city. I’m sure many guys would agree, a little ice breaker like that never hurts when you’re looking to meet some ladies at a party.

However, coming from a large city in Michigan also can be challenging.

Nearly 100 students from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School’s 2012 graduating class came to MSU with me. Now, I have plenty of friends from my high school that I hang out with up here, including my roommate, but there are still plenty of people I’d rather not see anymore.

There’s also the fact that when you head to college, you might want to get away from your high school days. One of my best friends said she left her home state so she wouldn’t be around old classmates anymore and get a fresh start.

For me, paying an extra $20,000 a year isn’t worth avoiding ex-classmates, but everyone is different.

Location

Another potential drawback to staying in state for school is missing out on a chance to live in a new place. Sometimes I wish I explored more out-of-state options in the south, or even out west. The lifestyle in those locations seem so different and something that maybe I should have explored.

It also doesn’t hurt the out-of-stater’s case when the fall comes to an end and it’s 10 degrees below zero and my friend at Arizona State University is sending me poolside Snapchats.

However, the benefits of being close to home outweigh the warm weather of the coasts. I’ve always been a momma’s boy and would miss being able to make the short drive home for the weekend. That trip wouldn’t be made as often if I lived thousands of miles away.

Plus, it is nice being able to go home for short holiday breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Easter or family birthdays.

Overall, there are both positives and negatives to staying in state for college. There are things I would miss if I went out-of-state, and there are also things I’m missing out on by staying in state. I’m happy with my decision to remain a Michigander and attend MSU. It was the school I always loved growing up and it’s located in a state I’ve always loved.

I’m sure when it’s all said and done, I’ll be ready to move away to a big city like Chicago or Boston or New York City after graduation. But for now, I’m content with where I am, surrounded by the Great Lakes and some of my best friends and family.

Robert Bondy is a State News sports reporter. Reach him at rbondy@statenews.com.