I have just been accepted to my top school and I’ll most likely going to be a boarder. My family is quite close and I haven’t been away from my parents, though I’m not too nervous about the idea of boarding. But, it’s hard to be nervous about something you’ve never experienced! So, what is boarding like and what can I do to prepare? I know being homesick is normal, but I don’t want to be caught unprepared/being unrealistic for the boarding reality. Thanks!
^if it helps I will be attending Peddie and most likely boarding there.
I pm’d you.
My son went to Lawrenceville and boarded for 4 years. The atmosphere is very similar to Peddie. Freshman year he did get homesick on a couple of occasions, and the housemasters let him go home for a weekend. Since they had Saturday classes, we picked him up mid-day on Saturday and returned back on Monday morning. At age 14, he still had a bit of growing up to do.
So if you ever feel the need, don’t hesitate to call your parents for a weekend at home. I’m sure they would love to have you. Apart from homesickness, the academics can take some getting used to. But I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just be prepared to work hard.
Thanks @sgopal2! I do understand that academics are rigorous at Lville and Peddie, so I’m DEFINITELY not expected picture perfect grades and being able to do well in classes without trying. From coming from a close family I’m pretty sure I will be calling my parents a lot and definitely using some of those weekends to go home! Thanks again
If you applied as a boarder, you will be a boarder, not "most likely " be a boarder!
Yes, feeling homesick during first few months is common…that’s something that Proctors and dorm parents can help you with. Think the boarding experience is an important aspect of the overall BS experience- think if you can swing it, do it.
Don’t overpack or bring too much…your actual living space may be the size of the inside of your parents’car.
Invest in headphones or air buds
Extra lamp or desk lamp
Phone Soap ( electric UV light sanitizer for your dirty phone)
Hand Sanitizer & Wipes (flu season)
Amazon Prime ( students order from Amazon more than you think)
Plastic drawers and closet/drawer organizer
A lot of kids get their own desk chair (if allowed)
If you have been an all-A students, Be prepared to get your first B or B+ :bz
First of all, congratulations! Peddie is an excellent school.
This is my first year at Choate, and I have to say that boarding has been a rollercoaster. I had so much homesickness for the first couple weeks but it mostly went away with time- I realized I liked where I am now as much as my home. Being in a dorm definitely helped alleviate the homesickness, since I bonded with the girls over missing home. I especially like boarding because you get close to so many people. Weekends are fun when you are on campus with all your friends- it makes hanging out a lot easier. My dorm is a big family, and being a boarder is probably my favorite aspect of school.
Every student is different, so there isn’t a definitive way to prepare. Here’s what helped me: bring only what you need- the clutter will come eventually. First impressions don’t matter as much as we think they do (there is plenty of time to make a better impression). Remember that everyone probably misses home as well and won’t be behaving like their usual selves (I was an angry, angsty teen my first two weeks). Since it is your first year, a lot is out of your control, so it will only get better from here. Your prefects are an amazing resource and can be the greatest of friends. Don’t be ashamed to be homesick, we have been in your position.
That was a lot of writing, but keep in mind that this is my own experience at a different school. Even if you get the stinkiest dorm with the worst roommate, there will always be something that brings you joy. Either way, it will turn out okay. Being a boarder will give you the opportunity to grow and become independent.
Thanks to all who commented! Everything posted this far is incredibly helpful!
The biggest piece of advice I have is to make as many friends as possible during orientation. Friends that you meet during orientation will be carved into your memory for the rest of your life. These friends will also help you get past the homesickness that everyone always feels.
Take time out for yourself each day. Don’t get caught up in the college admissions hysteria. Just do your best and let the chips fall where they may.