3 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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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Attending college away from home can sometimes be a very daunting experience, especially for people who are going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Attending college away definitely requires balancing your newfound independence with common sense values, to assist you in surviving the experience.
I always recommend prioritizing exploring your campus environment, creating a familiar living space, and campus activities like joining clubs to meet people, while also setting healthy communication boundaries with family to manage your homesickness. Transition do take time so attempt to be patient with the transition, manage your resources and money, and keep an open mindset to new experiences.
Here are some of the things that I recommend:
Explore Early: Not only go on a campus tour (which can be arranged online), but also walk around campus and your new college town to find study spots, coffee shops, and regional parks.
Get Involved: Join student life organizations like campus clubs and organizations to find friends with shared interests.
Don't Go Home Too Soon: Avoid returning home every weekend; it can hinder your ability to build lasting connections.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives, other countries and cultures, and people, and consider taking classes outside your major (utilize your electives part of your college degree).
Create a safe and comfortable space: Decorate your dorm with pictures, posters, and familiar items to make it a comforting refuge.
Master Life Skills: Practice doing your own laundry, cleaning, cooking, and doing minor repairs.
Respect Your Roommates: Set clear expectations early regarding cleaning, visitors, and noise.
Manage Homesickness: It is normal to miss being at home, but avoid over-communicating with relatives and others at home. Schedule regular, but not daily, check-ins.
Be Patient: Transitioning into new environments takes time, so be patient with your adjustment.
Stay Healthy (take care of yourself): Find the campus health services, physical education, intramural and activity centers, and find a local doctor if necessary (in case of an emergency).
Budget Your Resources and Money Wisely: Create a budget and understand how to manage your own bank account and financial resources.
Get Organized: Keep important documents (identification, like drivers license, insurance cards, social security number) secure and accessible.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to use campus support groups, tutoring centers, libraries, or counseling for academic anxiety or stress.
I always recommend prioritizing exploring your campus environment, creating a familiar living space, and campus activities like joining clubs to meet people, while also setting healthy communication boundaries with family to manage your homesickness. Transition do take time so attempt to be patient with the transition, manage your resources and money, and keep an open mindset to new experiences.
Here are some of the things that I recommend:
Explore Early: Not only go on a campus tour (which can be arranged online), but also walk around campus and your new college town to find study spots, coffee shops, and regional parks.
Get Involved: Join student life organizations like campus clubs and organizations to find friends with shared interests.
Don't Go Home Too Soon: Avoid returning home every weekend; it can hinder your ability to build lasting connections.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives, other countries and cultures, and people, and consider taking classes outside your major (utilize your electives part of your college degree).
Create a safe and comfortable space: Decorate your dorm with pictures, posters, and familiar items to make it a comforting refuge.
Master Life Skills: Practice doing your own laundry, cleaning, cooking, and doing minor repairs.
Respect Your Roommates: Set clear expectations early regarding cleaning, visitors, and noise.
Manage Homesickness: It is normal to miss being at home, but avoid over-communicating with relatives and others at home. Schedule regular, but not daily, check-ins.
Be Patient: Transitioning into new environments takes time, so be patient with your adjustment.
Stay Healthy (take care of yourself): Find the campus health services, physical education, intramural and activity centers, and find a local doctor if necessary (in case of an emergency).
Budget Your Resources and Money Wisely: Create a budget and understand how to manage your own bank account and financial resources.
Get Organized: Keep important documents (identification, like drivers license, insurance cards, social security number) secure and accessible.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to use campus support groups, tutoring centers, libraries, or counseling for academic anxiety or stress.
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 :-)