@katwkittens I’m interested in your perspective as your daughter went to University of New Mexico from the east. My son has been accepted and awarded an Amigo scholarship, but we live in Maine. He started the college search by wanting palm trees or southwestern warmth 
He also wants to mountain bike and ski. He is down to three schools realistically: UMaine, Allegheny College, and University of New Mexico for computer science (though he may end up doing digital media or communications instead of in addition).
He’s admitted to others but we either can’t really afford them, or they don’t seem like good deals. So, will my son from rural central Maine be successful at A) living in a city B) living in a place so vastly different from the northeast and C) be able to successfully navigate a large public university? I’m sure as his mother I ought to be able to answer these questions, but I would value input from other parents who have been there, done that. Thanks!
@WayOutWestMom I could use your perspective on this too.