Out-of-state students like me comprise roughly 30% of the University of Montana’s student population. My name is Madison, and from my experience, being an out-of-state student includes different challenges than being a Montana resident. This has included finding it harder to connect, feeling the long distance away from home, and the increased cost of tuition.
Even with the difficulties of adjusting to living in a new state for the first time, I have found Montana to be a welcoming place where I’ve now met some of the best people in my life. Read on for some of my tips and experience as an out-of-state student:
Are You WUE?
One of the most daunting realities about being an out-of-state student is tuition costs. What really helped me is that the University of Montana is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which lowers the tuition for any out-of-state student residing in the Western U.S.
Since I’m from Washington, I qualified for WUE, significantly lowering my out-of-state tuition. WUE also applies to students studying abroad, which makes study abroad a much more feasible option, and I’m planning on taking advantage of that.
I was also able to obtain college credits before ever stepping foot on campus through AP courses in high school. This allowed me to start my first year as a sophomore in credit hours.
Making Friends at UM
I was nervous about going to college in a whole new environment with no connections. But I quickly discovered that with events like the Big Sky Experience and tons of student clubs, it was remarkably easy to make new friends at UM.
My Big Sky Experience was a camp with the Grizzly Marching Band. But even before I started band my first year, I met one of my best friends when we were moving into our residence hall.
Read More: How to Make Friends at UM
Discovering My Independence
Being so far from home is a notable challenge as an out-of-state student. Going to college has been the first time I’ve been so far from my parents for an extended amount of time, and the transition has had its difficult moments. But UM has helped me out logistically, and maybe more importantly, with a community that helps me along.
UM has various resources for students for whatever they might need. For example, the University Center houses establishments such as a bank and ATM, a FedEx store, and a salon for haircuts. And while I don’t have a car, the University and city of Missoula have made getting around without a car a breeze.
The most important thing about gaining newfound independence in college is knowing that you’re not alone. I have met so many amazing people, both fellow students and professors, who are there for me and can help me out.
Traveling To and Back From Home
I have had my fair share of traveling experience because of flying home for winter or summer break. This has brought upon a few travelling mishaps. However, these experiences have made me a more confident traveler and allowed me to experience my own independence. Flying alone can be scary, but after you do it once, it’ll get easier.
For longer gaps away from UM, like summer break, I’ve used a storage unit for my things. Moving out of residence halls and hauling your stuff across state lines is such a hassle. I have found that keeping most things in storage makes the transition much smoother. There are storage units off campus, but UM offers some student storage as well.
Exploring this New Place
One thing that is a huge bonus to being an out-of-state student is that everything is new. I have gotten to explore Missoula and Montana practically from scratch. I’ve gone to the Farmers Market many times, floated down the Clark Fork, and I’ve visited Helena, and gone to my first National Park at Glacier.
There are endless possibilities for what to explore in Missoula, especially with such a vibrant and exciting community. There are always things to do, like attending the River City Roots Festival, or going to FreeCycles for a concert. Missoula has grown to be like a second home to me, and that has helped me feel like I belong at the University of Montana.
Madison Knapp is a student at the University of Montana, majoring in creative writing with a minor in French. She is an out-of-state student from Bellingham, Washington, and has thoroughly enjoyed her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.
