Not sure where to post this, decided to post here since I’d like to hear from parents as well.
I just committed to attending my in-state flagship, UA Fairbanks, because they gave me what’s essentially a full ride. I really, really, REALLY wanted to leave the state but the full ride thing convinced me to commit to UAF. Things is, UAF was also my safety… how do I get over buyers remorse and get myself excited to attend? I really feel depressed and like I may have made a mistake here.
For starters, welcome to CC!!
You have the rest of your life to leave Alaska. Why not do it in 4 years, after receiving a FREE college education?
How do you get yourself excited? For starters, buy the hoodie and/or T shirt and start to wear it proudly.
Next, go to the Facebook page, and find the link to the page for the Class of 2022. Start to talk to people there-- people who are excited to be attending UAF.
My daughter is attending a school she had never heard of in September, and she’s more excited by the day.
You can choose to be happy about the gift of a free education, or not to be happy.
How do you get over buyer’s remorse? Move forward, don’t look back, focus on the positives. College education no matter where you go is a privilege. College for free is a gift. Work hard, do well, graduate. True freedom comes from not owing anyone anything. You can leave Alaska with a degree and without debt.
Success is what you make of it. Most state Us have a wide array of classes and majors for you to develop interests. DO well and you will determine your own future. As others have mentioned, living debt free is a powerful engine. It will allow you the freedom to make important choices later in life.
You’ve got a full ride - which is huge! Congratulations!!. Attend admitted students day and join your school’s social media pages. Start thinking about which dorm you want to live in and whether or not you would like to live in a LLC, assuming UAF offers LLCs. See if there are any organizations that look particularly appealing to you.
You do not have to move half way across the country to experience the freedoms and independence of college. In fact, you may come to appreciate being a little closer to home so that you are not spending $$$$ on boring transportation costs to/from college during breaks/holidays. The logistics of getting stuff to your dorm will be so much easier, too. Maybe spend the savings on some fun weekend trips throughout the year with a campus group.
I agree with @bjkmom - buy a tee shirt and talk to some of the other members of your Class of 2022.
Check out UAF’s travel abroad office, and start planning an amazing adventure. Many schools also allow you to take a semester at another US school - a semester in DC, for example. Double check that your scholarship will allow this. It’s common to second guess yourself, but finishing undergrad debt free gives you so much freedom, your 22/23 year old self will be grateful!
College is kind of like marriage. You choose the one that loves you back, and the “soulmate” part comes later. Sounds like this one REALLY loves you 
Take the money and run! You’re adult self and future spouse will thank you later.
Your options for picking up and leaving when you graduate will be that much easier with no debt! It’s a huge gift to yourself. Grieve a little and then jump in and get involved once you get there.
Some of this will occur naturally, as you move in and start your classes. You will be so busy and engaged that you won’t even think about where you actually are.
My daughter swore up and down that she’d never attend college in Massachusetts, where she was born and had lived nearly all of her life, but she ended up at a small LAC there and loved it. Even though she was only a 40 minute car ride from where we lived at the time (and a 20 minute ride from the house where she grew up!), she felt like she was in her own world once she got to campus.
Thank you guys for all the replies! I needed these reminders of the plusses in my situation. And yes, I ordered the tee, lol. It’s a good things that I got into the honors program, the honors classes are smaller and it’ll be easier to getto know people. I didn’t know that you can attend other colleges for a semester! that could be a really awesome option. Thanks!!
@Luna119, My son attends a state school. We offered to pay for a dorm but he chose to commute. Taking the less expensive option has freed up money so he can spend his breaks traveling with his friends. It’s not always someplace far, but they enjoy the independence and time away. And he loves his school, so it’s a win-win.
Research your school so you know all the opportunities it has to offer. Many have study abroad programs. Find out what clubs are available. There are probably a broad range of options, and you might even be able to start your own if you want. Find out what classes are available too. My son researched classes outside his major to see which had interesting classes, particularly those that included field trips. His gen eds so far have included an art class that took trips to museums, a geology class that did field excursions, and a theater class that attended plays (some on campus but several out of town). He found those classes add interest to his schedule and the field trips are a great way to connect with other students.
I’m so happy for you. Have a great time.
Realize you control most aspects of your life, including how you feel towards your college. Focus on good aspects and make the most of it.
Look at the benefits… Full Ride! woohooo!
That means they wanted you there and think you will succeed.
Take advantage of all your school has to offer…get to know professors and get involved in activities and research and whatever you are interested in.
When you graduate, you won’t think “Oh I wish I didn’t go there” you will think “I am done with school, debt free, and have the rest of my life to live where ever I want”
Also, consider looking into opportunities for spending a semester abroad.