Zachary
How are you mentally preparing to leave home for College?
For most of us, we know where we are headed coming fall of 2018. I am moving 5 hours away from home. I would like to know, how do you feel about leaving home and what are you doing to prepare for that move?
#movingonup
#collegebound
#dormlife
4 answers
Jessica Marquez
Jessica’s Answer
For me I was ready. I think it will be different for everyone and depends on your home environment and the relationship you have with your family. I had to learn to be independent very early on and so I knew going to college and leaving home was the next step for me. I was 3.5 hours away from home and so I made sure that I drove home and visited regularly. Good luck!
Samantha Secrest
Samantha’s Answer
So for the first 2 years of my college career I was about an hour from my hometown. I traveled back and forth on weekends (for personal reasons) and I honestly don't regret anything that I decided to do, even though other people didn't like what I was doing. For my last 3 years of college I was about 1500 miles away from my hometown and almost everyone that I knew. It was scary but it was much needed. To prepare, I spent time with my family and friends and made sure to take lots of pictures. I was really excited for my new journey and all of the adventures that I was going to have. I highly recommend getting out of your hometown to help figure yourself out . It will also give you a new perspective on your hometown. When you do move, enjoy your time and new adventures. It will be so much fun! Visit your family and friends when you can but don't be afraid to make new friends and new memories to share later in life.
Carolyn Stone
Carolyn’s Answer
Hi Zachary!
I moved approximately 16 hours away for college which made it difficult to visit home regularly. I think that 5 hours is the perfect distance, it is far enough that you won't be tempted to go home too frequently, with still being close enough to drive home if you need to. The biggest piece of advice I have, is to know that missing home is normal. For me, the hardest part about freshman year was adjusting to all of the change. My hometown had a major college in it, and almost all of my best friends were still at home. At Thanksgiving of my Freshmen year, I brought up how I was feeling to my friends who were still in my hometown and they told me they were feeling the same way. This made me realize that a lot of the 'homesick' feeling, wasn't actually being far from home but just the change from high school to college. Stick it out and I promise getting out on your own and growing will be well worth it!
Shadey Trinidad, M.Ed.
Shadey’s Answer
Hi Zachary,
First of all, congratulations! This is such a great question. Leaving home for college can be tough as it is the first time many of us leave home for an extended period of time. I personally went 7 hours away from home when I was in undergrad. While there will be challenging moments, it is also such a great opportunity to grow as a person. Remember that any feelings you might feel when you are far from home are completely normal, and you are not alone! Reach out to your friends and family when you feel homesick, but also make time to explore your new surroundings and create a new home away from home on campus.
I would also suggest spending as much time as possible with your friends and family before you start college in the fall.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/campus-life/students-speak-what-life-in-the-dorms-is-really-like
Check out the link above whenever you get a chance. I hope it helps!
Best of luck!