<p>Hey there. I move into college later today and I'm full of mixed emotions. Part of me is super excited for a fresh start and meeting people from all different walks of life. However, the other side of me is both super nervous and sad. I am VERY close to my family and although I'm not anti-social, I am fairly introverted. </p>
<p>Part of me feels like I'm not ready to leave my parent's house and all the great things I have. This is my first time living away, and I seem to be the only one who is nervous and concerned about this. I've talked to plenty of kids going to the same university at orientation, over facebook, etc and they all seem to be looking forward to moving in with not a single worry. </p>
<p>Although the university I'm going to is literally 15-20 mins away from home and I will be bringing my car to campus, I do not want my parent's house to become a crutch to lean on. I l know it's time to grow up I just don't feel emotionally ready for this process. Many people in my family always looked at me as a "home body" or a "momma's boy", but part of me wants to prove them wrong and prove that I CAN do this. I had the option to commute instead of living home, however I felt living on campus was the healthiest choice. Now that move-in day is finally here though, I'm not sure if I'm going to regret that decision.</p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice/input you have for me. </p>
<p>You’re ready. Nerves are common in almost all students, even if they don’t say it out loud.</p>
<p>Change is scary, but this is just another step toward adulthood. Keep your room door open, be welcoming, say hello to all you meet and look others in the eye! Be easy-going and smile!</p>
<p>When classes start, you will meet other groups of students and make more friends. Go to the EC open house and join some clubs. Community service is always a great one. Join an intramural sport.</p>
<p>If you see someone eating alone, join him or her. Encourage the other person to talk about him/herself. Find what you have in common.</p>
<p>Remember that most of your classmates are just like you–scared and excited at the same time! Make the best of the opportunities available on campus and you will settle in fine.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. At this point I’m worried about just making a group of friends. I am not the most outgoing individual, and can be shy with people I have never met. I’m worried I’m going to be eating in the cafeteria by myself, while everyone else is sitting together and enjoying themselves :(</p>
<p>You are not alone in your feelings! I agree with the poster above; take advantage of opportunities to get involved. Hang out in common areas. The first few days are always awkward but once classes start you will fall into a more comfortable routine and fine kindred spirits. Give yourself time!</p>
<p>And I bet if I looked at your posts, you’d seem to be that confident also!</p>
<p>My daughter lost 10 pounds her first week at college because she didn’t want to go into the cafeteria alone. Hunger finally won out, and she discovered that she could go through the line and easily find people she recognized and join them at their table.</p>
<p>OP, I was in exactly your shoes - my parents’ house was 20 minutes from my dorm. When they dropped me off at school, I sat on my bed and cried! I felt SO lonely. I’m shy and was afraid I wouldn’t make any friends. Within a couple of weeks, though, I had plenty of people to hang out with. For me, an easy way to strike up conversations was in class, because we had something in common to discuss.</p>
<p>You can do this! Just give yourself a little time.</p>
<p>So…how is it going today? Hope you liked some of your pre-orientation activities and are not feeling quite so alone. When do your classes start?</p>