8 answers
Jana
Student
Chattanooga, Tennessee
4
Questions
Asked
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How is it adjusting to being away from home for college?
I am worrying about being away from my parents
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8 answers
Bob Echols
Retired lawyer and ethics officer--current blogger and author of the For Our Friends the Animals quartet.
28
Answers
Fairhope, Alabama
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Hi, Jana. Being separated from your parents can be difficult, but of course remember that they are available by phone, text, and email.
Try to see it this way. The reason for attending college is to acquire knowledge and skills, knowledge of things, ideas, and people, including yourself. Skills such as social skills, speaking and writing, researching, things like that.
Why do this? Because this is preparing you for the person you were meant to be, for the difference you are going to make in this world. To become that person, truly to make a major difference in this world is something you can and must ultimately do on your own.
There is only one Jana, only one human being on this planet with your unique set of ideas, interests, abilities, with your sense of mission, with your ability to love and be compassionate.
The first step in developing into that person is to start to develop your own identify, and that you must do independently from your folks.
You will always love them. You will always reflect their values. They will always be a part of you. But to morph into the person who will have the greatest positive effect on this world, and we need you!, you must go out on your own.
So understand that it may be a bit painful at first, but as the days progress and you progress, the pain will change to joy at the wonderful human being that is emerging!
All the best!
Try to see it this way. The reason for attending college is to acquire knowledge and skills, knowledge of things, ideas, and people, including yourself. Skills such as social skills, speaking and writing, researching, things like that.
Why do this? Because this is preparing you for the person you were meant to be, for the difference you are going to make in this world. To become that person, truly to make a major difference in this world is something you can and must ultimately do on your own.
There is only one Jana, only one human being on this planet with your unique set of ideas, interests, abilities, with your sense of mission, with your ability to love and be compassionate.
The first step in developing into that person is to start to develop your own identify, and that you must do independently from your folks.
You will always love them. You will always reflect their values. They will always be a part of you. But to morph into the person who will have the greatest positive effect on this world, and we need you!, you must go out on your own.
So understand that it may be a bit painful at first, but as the days progress and you progress, the pain will change to joy at the wonderful human being that is emerging!
All the best!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I went to college out of the area from where I lived. While it could be tough at times, I also created some really good memories/
You can always call and you’ll be able to visit during breaks. My trick was to find find groups to join. I joined a game club which was awesome and I always jumped at joining study groups. You can find ways to connect with others and build bonds that will help you feel a sense of belonging.
You can always call and you’ll be able to visit during breaks. My trick was to find find groups to join. I joined a game club which was awesome and I always jumped at joining study groups. You can find ways to connect with others and build bonds that will help you feel a sense of belonging.
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
Its natural to be worried about being away from you parents but its different for everyone.
When my parents dropped me off at college, I was fine, however, my other dormmates began to cry which made me feel bad I didn't have an emotional reaction similar to theirs. I didnt cry because I knew I would be able to drive over and see them. At first it might be weird, but you will get used to it. If they are within driving or public transportation distance, you can visit them whenever you want or vice versa! Thanks to modern technology, you can always call them or face time them when you want.
When my parents dropped me off at college, I was fine, however, my other dormmates began to cry which made me feel bad I didn't have an emotional reaction similar to theirs. I didnt cry because I knew I would be able to drive over and see them. At first it might be weird, but you will get used to it. If they are within driving or public transportation distance, you can visit them whenever you want or vice versa! Thanks to modern technology, you can always call them or face time them when you want.
Mark Anthony Cimabue
Ecommerce
9
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mark Anthony’s Answer
That's an awesome question! Let's begin by acknowledging that it might take a little while to settle in, but don't worry! Thanks to the amazing technology we have today, staying connected with everyone is a breeze! Discover new hobbies to keep your mind active and engaged. Seek out friends who make you feel at ease, and most importantly, believe in the journey. It's all part of the fun!
Diane Gibson
Underwriter
58
Answers
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hi Jana, going off to college, away from your parents/family/friends, is so difficult. I went to college without knowing/having any friends attending and was 2 1/2 hours away from home. Talk about homesickness! Know that you are not alone. I called my parents 2 - 3 times a week when I first got to college as well as going home almost every other weekend. We didn't have social media/smart phones when I attended college so staying connected with friends was so hard.....I resorted to writing letters to my high school friends. I found activities, at college, that interested me (ie. attending sporting events, getting involved in intramural sports, pledging a sorority, getting involved in college clubs and getting to know your dormmates). Once I got comfortable and acclimated to college life as well as making college friends my calls to my parents and going home subsided. This is just a temporary hurdle. If you find yourself not being able to work through the issue colleges/universities do offer mental health services so do not be afraid/embarrassed if you need to talk through this/work through this with a mental health specialist. Best of luck to you!
Shahara Walker
Product Management
5
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Shahara’s Answer
In the beginning it can be a bit scary and you may not think you will adjust. I found it easy to begin the adjustment process by learning about your environment and if you are living in a dorm, open up to those that are probably sharing your same anxieties. There are usually social events they use for ice breakers to the college world. Be sure to participate in those events. If you find yourself contacting your parents a lot in the beginning, make a conscious effort to limit your time that you spend on the telephone and find other fillers like walking the campus and seeing what is available for you to do outside of your room so that you explore the options and maybe meet more people.
Giovana Flores
Internal Audit Specialist
2
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Giovana’s Answer
Like everyone else has mentioned, joining extracurricular organizations will help keep you meet like-minded people and find a sense of belonging while being far from home. Texting, calling, and videochatting are also great ways to keep in touch and not miss them too much.
Something else that helped me when I was far from home was having an album/scrapbook with pictures of my family and friends along with notes/cards that they've given me. Reading their notes always helped me feel better and encouraged me to keep going.
Something else that helped me when I was far from home was having an album/scrapbook with pictures of my family and friends along with notes/cards that they've given me. Reading their notes always helped me feel better and encouraged me to keep going.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Jana,
Navigating the College Experience Away from Home
Embarking on a college journey away from home can be a big step for many students. It's completely normal to have concerns about missing your family and the comfort of your home. But remember, this is also a beautiful chance for you to grow as an individual, gain independence, and encounter new adventures.
A crucial part of settling into college life is creating a strong support system in your new surroundings. This might involve making new friends, building relationships with professors and mentors, and tapping into on-campus resources like counseling services or student clubs. These connections can help alleviate the sense of homesickness and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Staying in touch with your family and friends back home is equally important. Thanks to modern technology, it's easier than ever to keep the lines of communication open, whether through phone calls, video chats, or social media. Knowing you can reach out to your loved ones when you need to can be a great source of comfort during this period of adjustment.
Moreover, immersing yourself in campus activities and exploring the new city or town where your college is situated can aid in your adjustment. Participating in hobbies, sports, or cultural events can help you feel more at home in your new environment.
Dealing with homesickness is another facet of transitioning to college life away from home. It's okay to miss the familiarity of home, but there are ways to manage these feelings. Creating a cozy living space in your dorm or apartment, establishing routines, and using campus support services can all contribute to a smoother transition.
Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that it's perfectly fine to experience a mix of emotions during this transition. Feeling excited about new opportunities while also being nervous about being away from home is natural. Recognizing these feelings and giving yourself the necessary time to adjust is a vital part of the process.
To sum it up, transitioning to college life away from home involves building a support network, maintaining connections with loved ones, participating in campus life, managing homesickness, and giving yourself the permission to adapt at your own pace to this exciting new phase of your life.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard University - harvard.edu
Psychology Today - psychologytoday.com
The New York Times - nytimes.com
Take care and God bless,
James.
Navigating the College Experience Away from Home
Embarking on a college journey away from home can be a big step for many students. It's completely normal to have concerns about missing your family and the comfort of your home. But remember, this is also a beautiful chance for you to grow as an individual, gain independence, and encounter new adventures.
A crucial part of settling into college life is creating a strong support system in your new surroundings. This might involve making new friends, building relationships with professors and mentors, and tapping into on-campus resources like counseling services or student clubs. These connections can help alleviate the sense of homesickness and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Staying in touch with your family and friends back home is equally important. Thanks to modern technology, it's easier than ever to keep the lines of communication open, whether through phone calls, video chats, or social media. Knowing you can reach out to your loved ones when you need to can be a great source of comfort during this period of adjustment.
Moreover, immersing yourself in campus activities and exploring the new city or town where your college is situated can aid in your adjustment. Participating in hobbies, sports, or cultural events can help you feel more at home in your new environment.
Dealing with homesickness is another facet of transitioning to college life away from home. It's okay to miss the familiarity of home, but there are ways to manage these feelings. Creating a cozy living space in your dorm or apartment, establishing routines, and using campus support services can all contribute to a smoother transition.
Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that it's perfectly fine to experience a mix of emotions during this transition. Feeling excited about new opportunities while also being nervous about being away from home is natural. Recognizing these feelings and giving yourself the necessary time to adjust is a vital part of the process.
To sum it up, transitioning to college life away from home involves building a support network, maintaining connections with loved ones, participating in campus life, managing homesickness, and giving yourself the permission to adapt at your own pace to this exciting new phase of your life.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard University - harvard.edu
Psychology Today - psychologytoday.com
The New York Times - nytimes.com
Take care and God bless,
James.