<p>It's a huge goal of mine to go to college in New York City. I currently live in Oregon, and have a couple years until it's time for me to go to college as a freshman. The thought of going so far away is excitig to me, but at the same time, very nerve-racking. For those of you that have experienced going out of state for college and away from your family, would you say it's a hard transition? Is it worth it? I have a fear of not making any friends and being alone! Plus, I don't know anyone in New York...</p>
<p>My D went from rural AZ to NYC Bronx. The first yr was a little rough but as we start sr year all is well. It’s a little rough on short holidays when it isn’t cost effective to come home for only 4-5 days. You adapt and make friends locally. That said, it does cost more in travel. You will miss not coming home when you want and my D had already done quite a bit of travel and summer schools abroad before college.</p>
<p>My D went from So. Calif. to Boston and then to PA. It was very tough that first year. She couldn’t come home at Thanksgiving due to time constraints and spent it with a few others who were stuck there. It was tough not being able to come home often due to cost, but she did adapt. The weather was hard to adjust to the first year also, but she adapted to that also. You will make friends and a lot of times can spend short holidays with locals. It will be an adventure, but might be hard at first. My D has graduated and while she loved her time on the east coast, was more than happy to return to the nice weather in Calif.</p>
<p>I’m from Illinois, and some of my friends are going to college in California, South Carolina, Washington, New York, and even Switzerland. None of them seems to have any major adaptation issues, although the one in Switzerland has studied abroad before.</p>
<p>My D is from the DC area and is attending college in SoCal. No complaints so far (2 weeks in). She is ecstatic to be there. She was very nervous the week before leaving, mostly about roommates. It all worked out fine, she is very sure she made the right choice. </p>
<p>I do think that because of weather, it might be easier to transition from east to west than vice-versa, but I guess as long as you have realistic expectations, it should work. It’s also nice if you have a family friend or relative near your college, to help with storing your stuff, hosting you for holidays, or just being there in case you need someone familiar.</p>
<p>I think it helps if you know the place and know this is the environment you want to be in. </p>
<p>I was born and raised in cities. I moved, but was always in some type of big city area. I went across the country to a suburban town, small private college and it was not me. However I did study abroad across the world in a big city and felt at home. </p>
<p>I just think the transition is easier if you feel like you fit in the place. I am a city girl and didn’t know that till college. Transitioning away from family was also a big challenge but you become really independent. If you can’t do that, then the change will be difficult. </p>
<p>Are you really close with your family? That might also make it harder.</p>
<p>PS, NYC is a great place. Even if you don’t know anyone, it’s such a diverse city you are bound to make good friends. If you’re not used to the city life, it might be hectic because its such a “busy” place to be.</p>