5 answers
Avery
Student
Olathe, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best ways to cope with being away from home?
I am a senior who was born and raised in Kansas City, but next year I will be going to school in Connecticut. I am so excited but nervous about moving somewhere new and having to try to meet completely new people on top of starting college and dealing with all of the stress that comes with that. So, how can I best deal with starting at a college so far from home, where I only spent a few hours at once, meeting new people, and all of the things I haven't even considered?
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5 answers
Kealia
Student
Cheyenne, Wyoming
0
Questions
Updated
Kealia’s Answer
Join clubs and extracurricular activities within your school. Talk with people on campus to make friends. meet people in your dorm. go to events.
Brandyn Knight
Operations Supervisor, Owner - Life & Career Coach
18
Answers
Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Brandyn’s Answer
When you're preparing to leave home for college, especially to a new state like Connecticut, it can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s a big change, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the thought of meeting new people, adjusting to a new environment, and tackling the stress of starting college. But there are definitely ways to cope and thrive in this new chapter of your life.
Here are some tips to help you adjust and make the most of your college experience:
1. Remember Your Why: Every day, remind yourself why you're going to college and what you want to accomplish. Whether it’s for personal growth, career preparation, or meeting new people, having a clear goal will help you stay motivated and positive. You’re there because this is an opportunity to build a brighter future.
2. Stay Connected to Home: Homesickness is normal, so stay in touch with family and friends. Set up regular video calls with loved ones, and maybe create a tradition like a weekly call. You can also bring a few things from home that make you feel comfortable, like photos, mementos, or even your favorite snacks.
3. Build a Routine: College life can feel chaotic at first, so creating small routines can help provide stability. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual, workout schedule, or studying habits, routines give you something familiar to hold onto.
4. Get Involved: Don’t wait for friends to come to you. Join clubs, attend welcome events, or take part in campus activities. Freshman year is the best time to meet people who are also looking to make connections. Your roommate will be your first friend, but soon you'll find others who share your interests and goals.
5. Work on Self-Discovery: This is a big part of college life. It’s an opportunity to explore new subjects, discover what excites you, and figure out what career paths align with your passions. Take time to explore different options, but also be open to changing your direction as you learn more about yourself.
6. Set Small Goals: Adjusting to college life takes time. Focus on smaller, manageable goals, like learning how to get around campus, meeting one new person a week, or keeping up with your studies. These small steps will help you feel more at ease as you move toward bigger goals.
7. Embrace the Change: College is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. You’re no longer confined to the same roles you had in high school. It’s a fresh start, and it’s okay to feel nervous. But remember, everyone is in the same boat, and the nerves will soon turn into excitement as you start to see what college life has to offer.
8. Seek Support When Needed: If you’re struggling with the transition, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Most colleges have counseling services, student groups, or support networks to help you adjust. You’re not alone, and it’s important to take care of your mental health during this big transition.
Lastly, remember that feeling nervous and excited at the same time is perfectly normal. By staying connected, building new routines, and being intentional about meeting new people, you’ll soon find your rhythm. College is an exciting time of growth, and you’ll come out of it stronger and more confident in who you are. Just take it one step at a time!
Here are some tips to help you adjust and make the most of your college experience:
1. Remember Your Why: Every day, remind yourself why you're going to college and what you want to accomplish. Whether it’s for personal growth, career preparation, or meeting new people, having a clear goal will help you stay motivated and positive. You’re there because this is an opportunity to build a brighter future.
2. Stay Connected to Home: Homesickness is normal, so stay in touch with family and friends. Set up regular video calls with loved ones, and maybe create a tradition like a weekly call. You can also bring a few things from home that make you feel comfortable, like photos, mementos, or even your favorite snacks.
3. Build a Routine: College life can feel chaotic at first, so creating small routines can help provide stability. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual, workout schedule, or studying habits, routines give you something familiar to hold onto.
4. Get Involved: Don’t wait for friends to come to you. Join clubs, attend welcome events, or take part in campus activities. Freshman year is the best time to meet people who are also looking to make connections. Your roommate will be your first friend, but soon you'll find others who share your interests and goals.
5. Work on Self-Discovery: This is a big part of college life. It’s an opportunity to explore new subjects, discover what excites you, and figure out what career paths align with your passions. Take time to explore different options, but also be open to changing your direction as you learn more about yourself.
6. Set Small Goals: Adjusting to college life takes time. Focus on smaller, manageable goals, like learning how to get around campus, meeting one new person a week, or keeping up with your studies. These small steps will help you feel more at ease as you move toward bigger goals.
7. Embrace the Change: College is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. You’re no longer confined to the same roles you had in high school. It’s a fresh start, and it’s okay to feel nervous. But remember, everyone is in the same boat, and the nerves will soon turn into excitement as you start to see what college life has to offer.
8. Seek Support When Needed: If you’re struggling with the transition, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Most colleges have counseling services, student groups, or support networks to help you adjust. You’re not alone, and it’s important to take care of your mental health during this big transition.
Lastly, remember that feeling nervous and excited at the same time is perfectly normal. By staying connected, building new routines, and being intentional about meeting new people, you’ll soon find your rhythm. College is an exciting time of growth, and you’ll come out of it stronger and more confident in who you are. Just take it one step at a time!
Mike Doria
Strategic Communications
7
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Congrats on college!! It was such a fun four years. It’s understandable to be a bit nervous. But remember, everyone else is nervous too (the freshmen, anyway) because you’ll all be in the same boat. You’ll automatically have one friend -- your roommate. And you’ll meet other people as you settle in. There are dorm activities, organizations, sports, clubs, etc to take part in. Trust me when I say that when you are older, you will miss the college days and hanging out with the friends you made. That said, here are some things you can do not to miss home so much.
1. Care Package: Have your friends and family contribute to a care package (nothing more than a box full of stuff you’ll need). Knowing everything in that box came from a loved one may help ease homesickness.
2. FaceTime or Zoom. When I was in college, we had a landline telephone. That’s it. The internet wasn’t a thing yet, and I don’t believe email came mainstream until my junior or senior year. The trick about phone, Zoom, and FaceTime conversations is you’ll want to try to keep a schedule. For example, talking to your parents every Thursday night at 7:00. The consistent schedule keeps you excited and gives you something to look forward to each week.
3. Go home once a month. If you have a car and or live within a reasonable driving distance, going home for one weekend each month could help with the transition and give you the best of both worlds.
4. Bring some photos of friends and family with you. You may even try one of those digital picture frames (where you can put several pictures in it), and it will rotate between them.)
5. Journaling is a good way to express your thoughts, especially in the first few weeks. If you miss home, write about it. But try to balance it with something you like about college as well.
I don’t think I missed home once in the four years I was away at college. You’ll have winter and spring break, giving you time to go home to be with family. And, you’ll be so busy with school work and new friends, you’ll forget all about homesickness. I was nervous and excited to start the college experience. Both emotions are important because they balance each other out. I pledged a fraternity in my second semester and made lifelong friends.
The last thing I’ll say is that college is a good reset. It’s an opportunity to break away from the person you were in high school and start again. The great thing is that college has no cliques or groups. Everyone is there to learn, and for the most part, everyone got along well. My guess is that after week 3 or 4, you’ll be asking yourself why you were worried so much. Enjoy.
When I moved from home to college, I was excited to meet all new friends and do the things college students do on campus. Part of the college experience is to prepare you for the unknown. Think about it - for the last 12 years, you essentially went to school, then home, then school, home. You’re doing the same thing in college, except the stay at school is a little longer.
1. Care Package: Have your friends and family contribute to a care package (nothing more than a box full of stuff you’ll need). Knowing everything in that box came from a loved one may help ease homesickness.
2. FaceTime or Zoom. When I was in college, we had a landline telephone. That’s it. The internet wasn’t a thing yet, and I don’t believe email came mainstream until my junior or senior year. The trick about phone, Zoom, and FaceTime conversations is you’ll want to try to keep a schedule. For example, talking to your parents every Thursday night at 7:00. The consistent schedule keeps you excited and gives you something to look forward to each week.
3. Go home once a month. If you have a car and or live within a reasonable driving distance, going home for one weekend each month could help with the transition and give you the best of both worlds.
4. Bring some photos of friends and family with you. You may even try one of those digital picture frames (where you can put several pictures in it), and it will rotate between them.)
5. Journaling is a good way to express your thoughts, especially in the first few weeks. If you miss home, write about it. But try to balance it with something you like about college as well.
I don’t think I missed home once in the four years I was away at college. You’ll have winter and spring break, giving you time to go home to be with family. And, you’ll be so busy with school work and new friends, you’ll forget all about homesickness. I was nervous and excited to start the college experience. Both emotions are important because they balance each other out. I pledged a fraternity in my second semester and made lifelong friends.
The last thing I’ll say is that college is a good reset. It’s an opportunity to break away from the person you were in high school and start again. The great thing is that college has no cliques or groups. Everyone is there to learn, and for the most part, everyone got along well. My guess is that after week 3 or 4, you’ll be asking yourself why you were worried so much. Enjoy.
When I moved from home to college, I was excited to meet all new friends and do the things college students do on campus. Part of the college experience is to prepare you for the unknown. Think about it - for the last 12 years, you essentially went to school, then home, then school, home. You’re doing the same thing in college, except the stay at school is a little longer.
Thank you for the advice.
Avery
Ce Ji
55
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ce’s Answer
Hi Avery, I can sense your excitement and nerves, and it shows you really care about life. Moving from Kansas City to Connecticut is a big change, but guess what? This move will help you find new strength inside you. In the first few weeks, try to see your new surroundings like an explorer. If you get lost, think of it as a chance to find cool spots on campus. When you're in line at the cafeteria, use it as a chance to chat with the person next to you. The bench outside your dorm might be where you meet a new best friend. Remember, all freshmen are starting fresh, just like you. Those awkward introductions and moments you mix up classrooms will soon be funny stories to share.
Thanks for the advice.
Avery
Bruno Guerra
Financial Crimes Unit Senior Associate
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bruno’s Answer
Hi Avery,
As someone who moved to the U.S. from another country to pursue my master’s degree, I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel to leave your comfort zone. Being away from my family and everything familiar was scary at first, but it was also something I truly wanted. Not because I wanted to be away from home, but because I had a goal, and chasing that goal meant stepping into the unknown.
That said, here are a few things that helped me adjust, and hopefully, some of these will help you too:
1) Remind yourself daily why you're where you are, and be grateful for the opportunity. Try starting each morning by acknowledging one thing you’re thankful for (it really helps shift your mindset).
2) Keep busy and stay engaged. Sign up for things that interest you: whether it’s music lessons, the gym, student clubs, or just spending time with people. Staying active helps you feel more rooted.
3) Be intentional about meeting people. It can feel awkward at first, but most freshmen are just as eager to make new friends. Join clubs, attend welcome events, or even invite someone to grab a coffee after class. You don’t need to click with everyone, just focus on finding a few good connections.
4) Create little routines that make you feel at home. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual, or a Sunday call with your family,these small habits can offer a surprising sense of stability.
Finally, just be kind to yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. College is about growth, and part of that is learning to adapt, stumble, and try again. Trust that you’ll find your people, your rhythm.
As someone who moved to the U.S. from another country to pursue my master’s degree, I completely understand how overwhelming it can feel to leave your comfort zone. Being away from my family and everything familiar was scary at first, but it was also something I truly wanted. Not because I wanted to be away from home, but because I had a goal, and chasing that goal meant stepping into the unknown.
That said, here are a few things that helped me adjust, and hopefully, some of these will help you too:
1) Remind yourself daily why you're where you are, and be grateful for the opportunity. Try starting each morning by acknowledging one thing you’re thankful for (it really helps shift your mindset).
2) Keep busy and stay engaged. Sign up for things that interest you: whether it’s music lessons, the gym, student clubs, or just spending time with people. Staying active helps you feel more rooted.
3) Be intentional about meeting people. It can feel awkward at first, but most freshmen are just as eager to make new friends. Join clubs, attend welcome events, or even invite someone to grab a coffee after class. You don’t need to click with everyone, just focus on finding a few good connections.
4) Create little routines that make you feel at home. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual, or a Sunday call with your family,these small habits can offer a surprising sense of stability.
Finally, just be kind to yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. College is about growth, and part of that is learning to adapt, stumble, and try again. Trust that you’ll find your people, your rhythm.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Avery