2 answers
Sage
Student
Bowie, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
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What are Some Tips for Someone Going to College Far from Home?
What are some tips you would give to someone who wants to go to college 15 hours away from home? What if you need to reach your parents in a crisis, or something on campus happens, how can you take the burden of your parents being worried about you? But still have a good college experience?
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1 answer
Leanne Hayes
Field Marketing
10
Answers
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hey Sage, I can definitely relate to this, as I’m about to move away from my parents too. It’s a big step, but also an exciting one! Here are some tips I’d share to help you (and your parents) feel more confident about you being far from home while still enjoying your college experience:
1. Set Up Clear Communication Routines: Let your parents know when they can expect to hear from you - perhaps a weekly call or regular messages. It reassures them without making you feel like you're constantly checking in. You can even agree on a ‘no news is good news’ rule for day-to-day life.
2. Have a Crisis Plan in Place: It’s smart to plan before anything happens. Share important contacts like your roommate's number, campus security, or health services with your parents. Make sure you know how to access local emergency services and have backup phone chargers or power banks handy.
3. Stay Organised & Independent: The more you manage things like finances, appointments, and your wellbeing, the less your parents will worry. They'll feel reassured knowing you’ve got things under control.
4. Keep Them 'Selectively' in the Loop: Share the good stuff! Tell them about your achievements, new friends, or fun experiences. It helps balance out any worries they might have and shows them you're thriving.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage: Video calls, family group chats, shared calendars - these can help you stay connected without feeling tied down. Even sending the occasional photo can go a long way.
6. Build a Support Network on Campus: Get to know people - friends, tutors and student support services. Having people nearby who can help in a pinch is key when you're far from home.
7. Reassure Them with Visits or Plans: If possible, plan when you’ll visit home or when they might come to see you. Having dates in the diary gives everyone something to look forward to.
8. Look After Yourself First: The best way to ease your parents' worries is to make sure you're healthy, safe, and happy. Prioritize self-care, ask for help when needed, and remember - it’s okay to miss home sometimes!
Moving away is a big adjustment for both you and your parents, but it’s also a chance to grow. With good communication and a bit of planning, you can enjoy your college life and give them peace of mind too. I hope it goes well for you. Enjoy :-)
1. Set Up Clear Communication Routines: Let your parents know when they can expect to hear from you - perhaps a weekly call or regular messages. It reassures them without making you feel like you're constantly checking in. You can even agree on a ‘no news is good news’ rule for day-to-day life.
2. Have a Crisis Plan in Place: It’s smart to plan before anything happens. Share important contacts like your roommate's number, campus security, or health services with your parents. Make sure you know how to access local emergency services and have backup phone chargers or power banks handy.
3. Stay Organised & Independent: The more you manage things like finances, appointments, and your wellbeing, the less your parents will worry. They'll feel reassured knowing you’ve got things under control.
4. Keep Them 'Selectively' in the Loop: Share the good stuff! Tell them about your achievements, new friends, or fun experiences. It helps balance out any worries they might have and shows them you're thriving.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage: Video calls, family group chats, shared calendars - these can help you stay connected without feeling tied down. Even sending the occasional photo can go a long way.
6. Build a Support Network on Campus: Get to know people - friends, tutors and student support services. Having people nearby who can help in a pinch is key when you're far from home.
7. Reassure Them with Visits or Plans: If possible, plan when you’ll visit home or when they might come to see you. Having dates in the diary gives everyone something to look forward to.
8. Look After Yourself First: The best way to ease your parents' worries is to make sure you're healthy, safe, and happy. Prioritize self-care, ask for help when needed, and remember - it’s okay to miss home sometimes!
Moving away is a big adjustment for both you and your parents, but it’s also a chance to grow. With good communication and a bit of planning, you can enjoy your college life and give them peace of mind too. I hope it goes well for you. Enjoy :-)