18 answers
1
Question
Updated
619 views
Best advice for someone moving away for college?
I'm currently a high school senior, and my top school is about 2 hours away from home. I've never moved before and a little nervous for the adjustment.
Login to comment
18 answers
Updated
Trissha’s Answer
Moving away for college is one of the most exciting and challenging transitions you'll go through, so give yourself grace as you adjust. Make an effort to put yourself out there in the first few weeks, since that's when everyone is most open to making new connections and friendships form most naturally. Stay in touch with family and close friends from home, but also allow yourself to fully embrace the new environment. Academics will demand more independence than high school, so building good study habits and knowing when to ask for help are skills worth developing early. Best wishes!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It's been many years since I've been where you are, but having just sent two daughters to college I will tell you what I told them. It will be hard at first, and you will be homesick...but once you start finding your people, starting your classes, joining groups and activities, that will slowly melt away and you will start to feel at home! College is such a magical time of exploration, learning, connection... things that you will bring with your for the rest of your life! Enjoy it and savor every moment. I wish I could go back!
Also don't just take classes in just the major you are interested, but explore avenues that make you uncomfortable, may seem a little scary. You never know what kind of path that theater class, music class, law class.... etc might take you! This is really the time for exploration without risk!
Don't be scared, it's going to be amazing!!!!
Also don't just take classes in just the major you are interested, but explore avenues that make you uncomfortable, may seem a little scary. You never know what kind of path that theater class, music class, law class.... etc might take you! This is really the time for exploration without risk!
Don't be scared, it's going to be amazing!!!!
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Avery.
Being a little nervous is normal and it makes sense. You're starting a new chapter and while it's exciting, it is a change.
My guess is that if you are going to a college a couple hours away from your family home, you'll be living in student house. And that means, you'll be living with a lot of other people going through the same things as you. First time away from family. Adjusting to a new city. Adjusting to a new school environment. And, learning how to be more independent and make more decisions for yourself. You might make some mistakes as you are stepping into your new life, but that's all part of the process and how you learn.
So, let's start with the easy thing. School and study habits. At the first session of each class, the instructor will provide a syllabus for the course. This will list things like books you'll need, if there's a term paper or other big assignment, and likely the dates of the midterm exam and final. From that information, you can plan how much time you need to study and set up a study schedule.
Social life is next. Because you'll be living in student housing, you have built in potential friends. You'll get to know each other and you'll find people with similar interests in values. This might be your roommate, but you might also find that you gel more with others. Also, dorms used to hold social events to allow people to get to know each other. Like I said, everyone is away from home for the first time. The College wants you to be successful.
Around campus and off campus. You will have the opportunity to join clubs or maybe the Greek life (Sorority/Fraternity) is the thing for you. See what sparks your interest. And, there's likely a pizza place that everyone goes to (or maybe it's a burrito place or sushi, you get my meaning). Join in where you want to. And, if you try something and then think, nope, not for me. It's ok to change your mind.
Here's a piece of advice that a student advisor gave me when I first started college away from home. "You are an adult now and part of being an adult is knowing when you need help and asking for it." Help can be as simple as talking to a friend and getting their perspective on this. It can be forming a study group. It can be visiting your instructor during office hours to get assistance. And of course, the people who have been supporting you all of your life are still there for you. Their just a phone call, facetime, or video call away.
Hope this helps you to prepare for college.
Being a little nervous is normal and it makes sense. You're starting a new chapter and while it's exciting, it is a change.
My guess is that if you are going to a college a couple hours away from your family home, you'll be living in student house. And that means, you'll be living with a lot of other people going through the same things as you. First time away from family. Adjusting to a new city. Adjusting to a new school environment. And, learning how to be more independent and make more decisions for yourself. You might make some mistakes as you are stepping into your new life, but that's all part of the process and how you learn.
So, let's start with the easy thing. School and study habits. At the first session of each class, the instructor will provide a syllabus for the course. This will list things like books you'll need, if there's a term paper or other big assignment, and likely the dates of the midterm exam and final. From that information, you can plan how much time you need to study and set up a study schedule.
Social life is next. Because you'll be living in student housing, you have built in potential friends. You'll get to know each other and you'll find people with similar interests in values. This might be your roommate, but you might also find that you gel more with others. Also, dorms used to hold social events to allow people to get to know each other. Like I said, everyone is away from home for the first time. The College wants you to be successful.
Around campus and off campus. You will have the opportunity to join clubs or maybe the Greek life (Sorority/Fraternity) is the thing for you. See what sparks your interest. And, there's likely a pizza place that everyone goes to (or maybe it's a burrito place or sushi, you get my meaning). Join in where you want to. And, if you try something and then think, nope, not for me. It's ok to change your mind.
Here's a piece of advice that a student advisor gave me when I first started college away from home. "You are an adult now and part of being an adult is knowing when you need help and asking for it." Help can be as simple as talking to a friend and getting their perspective on this. It can be forming a study group. It can be visiting your instructor during office hours to get assistance. And of course, the people who have been supporting you all of your life are still there for you. Their just a phone call, facetime, or video call away.
Hope this helps you to prepare for college.
Updated
Rebecca Louise’s Answer
Hi Avery! This is a really great question and it is totally normal to be asking yourself at this point in your life. I completely understand your concerns. I left my family home in the Canary Islands just after turning 17 and moved to London to study. That's a huge shift for you and it is normal to wonder how you will adapt to being so far from your family for the first time. My advice would be to go into eyes wide open. In my first year of uni my motto was to say yes to as many things as I could. You'll be meeting so many new people and be presented with so many new opportunities to try out different things that you've probably never done before. Joining club and societies is a great starting points to make friends who share your interests. Whether it's sports or arts or humanities universities usually offer a club for pretty much anything you can think of. I would also suggest joining clubs that you might not have thought of joining before. Trying out new things can be very fun and a great way to find new hobbies as well as eliminate things you don't have any interest in. Luckily we are in 2026 so water technology makes it really easy to stay in touch with your friends and family. Being able to video chat and text my family and friends from back home was really important especially my first year at university. Just remember that all of your new friends are likely in the same situation and you can always lean on each other when you're missing home. Well, it's probably daunting it's also an amazing opportunity and such a fun time in your young adult life. I'm sure you will do amazingly! Good luck on your new adventure!
Updated
Casey’s Answer
Hi Avery! The same thing happened to me when I also moved two hours away for college and it was a huge adjustment. To be truly honest with you, it'll be a challenge but a very exciting one. It is a great chance to help yourself grow and meet new people. There will be so much to do that if you're not comfortable, you can always try again for the next social thing. Two hours isn't too far away and if you miss family, you can always come home. You are capable a lot more than you think!
Try everything! (within reason)
Casey recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS! What a great step change in your life! The first time I moved away from home it was 3.5 hours from home. I was nervous and excited all at the same time.
Remember that most people go through this in life, and a lot of people at your college will be going through the same thing. So that might give you some comfort.
Next remember that 2 hours is not that far and you can always go home for a visit if you are missing home. That was great comfort to me when I first moved out.
This is a time when you will discover who YOU are without family influence.
Face-time is also a great tool to use when you are feeling a little home-sick.
Good luck - you got this!!!
Remember that most people go through this in life, and a lot of people at your college will be going through the same thing. So that might give you some comfort.
Next remember that 2 hours is not that far and you can always go home for a visit if you are missing home. That was great comfort to me when I first moved out.
This is a time when you will discover who YOU are without family influence.
Face-time is also a great tool to use when you are feeling a little home-sick.
Good luck - you got this!!!
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hi Avery,
Congratulations to you for committing to the next step in your educational journey! These are very exciting times and as a mom who is getting ready to send her second and last child to college 6 hours away in August, I can relate to your question on both sides. Overall, he's excited to be on his own and we are vocal in sharing our support but mostly we remind him to believe in himself and to stay positive. It will be a huge adjustment on many levels but be open to change and remember that not everything will go as planned. Failing is okay and a big part of growing strong and independent. I read the other day that fail stands for "first attempt in learning". That phrase has stuck with me even in my professional day-to-day work experiences. Just remember to stay focused, work hard, take accountability and don't sweat the small stuff.
Best wishes!
Congratulations to you for committing to the next step in your educational journey! These are very exciting times and as a mom who is getting ready to send her second and last child to college 6 hours away in August, I can relate to your question on both sides. Overall, he's excited to be on his own and we are vocal in sharing our support but mostly we remind him to believe in himself and to stay positive. It will be a huge adjustment on many levels but be open to change and remember that not everything will go as planned. Failing is okay and a big part of growing strong and independent. I read the other day that fail stands for "first attempt in learning". That phrase has stuck with me even in my professional day-to-day work experiences. Just remember to stay focused, work hard, take accountability and don't sweat the small stuff.
Best wishes!
Updated
Emily’s Answer
This is part of the journey of being an adult - learning to care for yourself and also the independence of growing up. Firstly learn the basic of self care, clean clothes , clean bedsheets thus making sure you are capable to do your laundry then the independence of time management. Ensuring you have the discipline with good planning of your schedules - studying , exercising and social time for yourself. Another independence is on the money management on your side.
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Starting college can be tough, but it gets easier with time! It's perfectly normal to feel nervous. Remember, everyone else is feeling the same way, even if they don't show it. You're all starting this new chapter together. Be patient with yourself, and don't worry if things aren't perfect right away. Embrace all the new experiences! College is a great time to find out who you are and who you want to become. Enjoy the journey!
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Starting college is an exciting adventure! It's a wonderful chance to grow and try new things. Look for opportunities to join groups that interest you. Whether it's with people in your dorm, your major, or a campus club, you'll make friends and feel less nervous. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, so enjoy the journey!
Updated
Joe’s Answer
This is such an important question. My simple advice is to be a joiner. It is less important what the "thing" is, but if you can join some larger group that is associated with something you are interested in, it shrinks the school and starts to make connections for you. Whether that is some ion your major, a group related to a hobby, a Greek life organization, or volunteering (or others), it can be a support system and make things easier and more fun.
Updated
James’s Answer
The answer to this really depends on a few things...
1) how independent you are
2) how much self discipline you have
3) how outgoing you are.
You will be in situations where there is nobody checking on whether you are going to class, whether you are studying, whether you are behaving, or whether you are partying. It's all up to you. You will have to be disciplined to make the right decisions about your behavior and your studies. For some, it will be the first time that you will have to do the right thing, even if nobody knows and nobody's watching.
1) how independent you are
2) how much self discipline you have
3) how outgoing you are.
You will be in situations where there is nobody checking on whether you are going to class, whether you are studying, whether you are behaving, or whether you are partying. It's all up to you. You will have to be disciplined to make the right decisions about your behavior and your studies. For some, it will be the first time that you will have to do the right thing, even if nobody knows and nobody's watching.
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hi Avery,
Congratulations to you for committing to the next step in your educational journey! These are very exciting times and as a mom who is getting ready to send her second and last child to college 6 hours away in August, I can relate to your question on both sides. Overall, he's excited to be on his own and we are vocal in sharing our support but mostly we remind him to believe in himself and to stay positive. It will be a huge adjustment on many levels but be open to change and remember that not everything will go as planned. Failing is okay and a big part of growing strong and independent. I read the other day that fail stands for "first attempt in learning". That phrase has stuck with me even in my professional day-to-day work experiences. Just remember to stay focused and be a goldfish - they have short memories!
Best wishes!
Congratulations to you for committing to the next step in your educational journey! These are very exciting times and as a mom who is getting ready to send her second and last child to college 6 hours away in August, I can relate to your question on both sides. Overall, he's excited to be on his own and we are vocal in sharing our support but mostly we remind him to believe in himself and to stay positive. It will be a huge adjustment on many levels but be open to change and remember that not everything will go as planned. Failing is okay and a big part of growing strong and independent. I read the other day that fail stands for "first attempt in learning". That phrase has stuck with me even in my professional day-to-day work experiences. Just remember to stay focused and be a goldfish - they have short memories!
Best wishes!
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Moving away for college can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also a great opportunity to grow independently. My best advice is to stay open to new experiences, give yourself time to adjust, and remember that feeling homesick at the beginning is completely normal. Get involved on campus early, build routines, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or meet new people. A two-hour distance is still close enough to stay connected with family while gaining independence.
Updated
Enrique’s Answer
First of all, you're going to have an amazing time at university. Now you have to understand that you're an adult and you depend on yourself, and that's great. You have more freedom and responsibilities, but now there are many things you have to do for yourself because Mom and Dad aren't there to do them for you anymore. And yes, that means doing adult things that might not be fun. That might be the biggest growth you experience at this stage.
Updated
Selena’s Answer
Hello
Feeling nervous about moving away for college is completely normal, especially if it is your first time living away from home. Even so, you're still very close to home and can actually be a good balance because you will have independence while still being close enough to visit family when needed.
One of the best things you can do is stay open to new experiences and push yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
Feeling nervous about moving away for college is completely normal, especially if it is your first time living away from home. Even so, you're still very close to home and can actually be a good balance because you will have independence while still being close enough to visit family when needed.
One of the best things you can do is stay open to new experiences and push yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Hi Avery,
Moving away for college ended up being one of the most valuable experiences I could have had. I also did this, and I think being in a completely new environment gave me the chance to grow in ways I never would have if I had stayed comfortable at home, despite my close family relationships.
Use it as an opportunity to become more independent, develop a stronger work ethic, and figure out who you are outside of the routines and expectations you grew up with. Also take the opportunity to discover new interests, hobbies, and friendships that you may have never explored otherwise!
Moving away for college ended up being one of the most valuable experiences I could have had. I also did this, and I think being in a completely new environment gave me the chance to grow in ways I never would have if I had stayed comfortable at home, despite my close family relationships.
Use it as an opportunity to become more independent, develop a stronger work ethic, and figure out who you are outside of the routines and expectations you grew up with. Also take the opportunity to discover new interests, hobbies, and friendships that you may have never explored otherwise!
Updated
Emily’s Answer
That's a fantastic question, and it's completely normal to feel that way! Moving away from home is a wonderful chance to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. The great thing about being just two hours away is that you can easily visit home for a day or a weekend by car or bus. When you start school, try joining some clubs or groups that interest you. It's a fun way to make new friends. Once classes begin, you'll meet even more people and settle into a new routine. Plus, FaceTime makes it super easy to keep in touch with friends and family back home.