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what is it like going away for college?
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6 answers
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Lindsey’s Answer
Going away to college was one of the best decisions I’ve made— and this is speaking as an introverted, not very social person by nature. Going away opens you up to the possibility of new friends, a new environment, and an avenue to reinvent yourself or flourish now that you’re not strapped at the hip to your family. It presents a watered down version of living independently, which is a really good skill to learn when you’re growing up.
Discuss with your family/loved ones the cost of going away, if it is manageable for your income.
Research the social climate/environment of the college you’re looking to attend, and if possible, take a tour of the campus.
Ask graduates or alumni what their experience was during their stay at the college you’re looking at
Lindsey recommends the following next steps:
thank you!
Karoline
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Karoline,
This is a great question, thank you for asking. Personally, I remember this being one of the toughest decisions I had to make early in my life. To answer your question "what it is like", I personally think it's something you should experience if you have the opportunity to do so. Everyone in this situation will experience a wide array of feelings - some are ready and want to go now, some are nervous. Me, personally, I was really nervous about it - I was going to a new city, away from my family and friends where I knew nobody. Having said that, after getting settled in, it was a rewarding experience which helped prepare me learn skills and knowledge to apply directly to the workforce after college. The experiences, friends and growth potential when you are living on your own really helped me grow as an individual. Also, remember, "going away" means different things to everyone - some will go away and be a plan flight from home, some will go away and not be too far at all. That decision comes down to what you feel is best for you, but I do think the experience is one of the most rewarding out there. Hope that helps!
This is a great question, thank you for asking. Personally, I remember this being one of the toughest decisions I had to make early in my life. To answer your question "what it is like", I personally think it's something you should experience if you have the opportunity to do so. Everyone in this situation will experience a wide array of feelings - some are ready and want to go now, some are nervous. Me, personally, I was really nervous about it - I was going to a new city, away from my family and friends where I knew nobody. Having said that, after getting settled in, it was a rewarding experience which helped prepare me learn skills and knowledge to apply directly to the workforce after college. The experiences, friends and growth potential when you are living on your own really helped me grow as an individual. Also, remember, "going away" means different things to everyone - some will go away and be a plan flight from home, some will go away and not be too far at all. That decision comes down to what you feel is best for you, but I do think the experience is one of the most rewarding out there. Hope that helps!
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Moving away to attend college can be challenging at times because you feel homesick, but soon enough (and one day in the future once you've graduated) you'll start becoming homesick for college and craving back to campus. It will certainly become a home away from home, especially when you find yourself surrounded with like-minded friends and colleagues. However, it is totally normal to feel lonely throughout your years in college even with friends by your side; feeling disconnected and stressed by your environment/the associated stress factors (i.e. classes, exams, drama with friends, etc.) happens to everyone. College is an incredibly rewarding time period where you will learn more about yourself and who you want to become! Being away from home and being independent will help you grow up to form your own opinions as well.
Remember that you can always FaceTime or call family/friends from home, and talk to them if you miss them and/or if you feel like you need to get something off of your chest and cannot lean on your college friends to do so.
Don't compare your college experience to anything you see on social media. Even if you think someone is having a "better" time at college than you, remind yourself that pictures are not everything. Nevertheless, social media is still a great way to stay connected with old friends!
Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of; every college has some version of mental health and wellness services. It is easily said than done, but do not be afraid to try a counseling session.
It is easy to get caught up in the challenges and frustrations you face in college -- but remember, you are not alone and the difficult moments will pass. College is so much fun and you deserve the best experience. Best of luck & more!
Remember that you can always FaceTime or call family/friends from home, and talk to them if you miss them and/or if you feel like you need to get something off of your chest and cannot lean on your college friends to do so.
Don't compare your college experience to anything you see on social media. Even if you think someone is having a "better" time at college than you, remind yourself that pictures are not everything. Nevertheless, social media is still a great way to stay connected with old friends!
Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of; every college has some version of mental health and wellness services. It is easily said than done, but do not be afraid to try a counseling session.
It is easy to get caught up in the challenges and frustrations you face in college -- but remember, you are not alone and the difficult moments will pass. College is so much fun and you deserve the best experience. Best of luck & more!
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Karoline!
I hope all is well. Going away to college can be a great experience!
I personally went out of state during my freshman year and then returned in state,
but went to a school that was on the other side of the state, so it felt still like a getaway.
Going out of state, I learned how to be open to making friends that were from completely
different places than me. At first, it was hard and I struggled the first few months to accept
change and a new environment. It wasn't until I put my fear outside, that I really started enjoying being away.
It was a great experience and now I know people all over the country. Going away helps with learning
how to survive on your own. This is one of the best things anyone can learn how to do. I found going to events
and talking to people in the dorm main lobby to be very beneficial for meeting people.
When considering in state, there are many pros to this such as in-state tuition and being close to home.
You can still get a quality college experience choosing the in-state route, just make sure you take the time
to research the campus climate and if possible connect with current students and alumni on places like
social media or LinkedIn. I personally reached out to former students who graduated from my current school
on Linkedin, and it helped to hear about their experiences (pros and cons).
Social media is your best friend for networking! Take your time to determine what will work best for you,
what all you are seeking out of a college experience, and from there make your decision.
You will truly be happy you took these things into consideration in the long run =)
I hope this helps, take care.
Alyssa Cole
I hope all is well. Going away to college can be a great experience!
I personally went out of state during my freshman year and then returned in state,
but went to a school that was on the other side of the state, so it felt still like a getaway.
Going out of state, I learned how to be open to making friends that were from completely
different places than me. At first, it was hard and I struggled the first few months to accept
change and a new environment. It wasn't until I put my fear outside, that I really started enjoying being away.
It was a great experience and now I know people all over the country. Going away helps with learning
how to survive on your own. This is one of the best things anyone can learn how to do. I found going to events
and talking to people in the dorm main lobby to be very beneficial for meeting people.
When considering in state, there are many pros to this such as in-state tuition and being close to home.
You can still get a quality college experience choosing the in-state route, just make sure you take the time
to research the campus climate and if possible connect with current students and alumni on places like
social media or LinkedIn. I personally reached out to former students who graduated from my current school
on Linkedin, and it helped to hear about their experiences (pros and cons).
Social media is your best friend for networking! Take your time to determine what will work best for you,
what all you are seeking out of a college experience, and from there make your decision.
You will truly be happy you took these things into consideration in the long run =)
I hope this helps, take care.
Alyssa Cole
Updated
Joe’s Answer
For me personally it was the best decision I made in my life. I was born and raised in San Diego and attended Syracuse University. It was a total shock and almost like another world. I was able to dive head first and experience everything Syracuse had to offer. From the sports to the people to downtown Syracuse you learned so much about what else there in the world you never knew before. I highly suggest taking a chance, be bold and go! You will learn and grow so much individually. I also think it is important to get involved in the college/university whether it's sports, a club, a program frat/sorority etc. This will help making news friends while your adjusting to your new adventure!
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I went to school 11 hours away from home and it was by far the best thing I have ever done. Going away to school forced me (in a good way) to be more independent and be more responsible. The first semester I was extremely homesick, but that feeling DOES dissipate, definitely lean on any mental health services your school offers and be ready to make lots of calls home. While going to college close to home certainly has advantages, I believe that going away is truly an exceptional way to dip your toe into adulthood before just diving in after graduation.