<p>BS"D
How do I prepare for college in terms of getting used to living on my own? I am an only child and have always been pretty much taken care of by my parents. I'm a senior in hs, and I do know how to do laundry, cook to a certain extent, and a few other "important life skills," but I want to know what other things I can do/learn to prepare for college in terms of living on my own. I've been to a camp 3000 miles away from home for a month two yrs in a row, but it's not the same. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thx in advance.</p>
<p>make sure you keep yourself focused on what you need to do. i find that when i'm away from my parents and even at times, my friends, it's hard to keep the same routine going. make sure you get a new routine for yourself that keeps you busy and having fun at the same time. also try to limit yourself in certain things that your parents may have had to do for you like eating junk food, watching tv instead of doing something important, NOT cleaning for excessive amounts of time.</p>
<p>i dunno, it all sounds weird but i think it will make sense once you go to college. always remember---your parents are a phone call away, so dont be afraid to ask for help.</p>
<p>BS"D
Thanx a lot, that was really good advice.</p>
<p>Know how to take care of yourself when you're sick. I just moved to school on Friday morning, and by Friday night I was sick with a head cold. It's definitely no fun being sick and away from home, but I do know what kinds of meds to take for what things, when I need a doctor, etc. I've always had to be independant (grew up in a single parent household) so I know this stuff. But I know plenty of people don't.</p>
<p>Haha, learn how to cook some basic dishes.</p>
<p>I didn't know how to do much other than make ramen when I showed up at college (800 miles away from my mommy)... I lived on microwave meals for my entire first semester. Ick.</p>
<p>I've always wondered about the new doctor/dentist situation</p>
<p>Well, as far as regular check-ups go (medical and dental), you can schedule them for when you're home. </p>
<p>Most schools have health clinics that you can go to if you need medical care while you're there, and there's always 911 if it's really urgent.</p>
<p>There are plenty of books available that talk about the transition to college, such as The Everything College Survival Book</p>
<p>i love that book</p>
<p>You have try to live out in the wild. Don't rely on your parents for food, water, money, clothes, or anything. Eat whatever you find and drink whatever water you see. Thats the only way you'll be independent.</p>
<p>I don't think theres a way to prepare yourself. It's more of a mental/emotional thing... something that you can't really imitate until you're there experiencing it. Laundry, cooking, health care, etc are really minor things that you'll learn without a problem.</p>
<p>Basi,</p>
<p>You won't really have that much to prepare for or do in terms of the everyday aspects of life: you'll eat at the cafeteria (obviously check to make sure not only that there are kosher meals, but that there is variety and it tastes good). Laundry you can already do, but most schools offer laundry service if you want. The main thing you are at school for is to learn and experience. The hardest thing for most kids is budgeting their time especially with all the freedom and distractions around.</p>
<p>The real challenge for you may be, if you go to a secular school, and haven't had much exposure to that sort of thing, feeling comfortable with the life style of the other students all around you and having enough people to socialize with. That, and the fact that you will want to keep your essence while still using college for exploration.</p>
<p>Make sure you visit and arrange for overnights at the schools.</p>
<p>BS"D</p>
<p>"Basi,</p>
<p>You won't really have that much to prepare for or do in terms of the everyday aspects of life: you'll eat at the cafeteria (obviously check to make sure not only that there are kosher meals, but that there is variety and it tastes good). Laundry you can already do, but most schools offer laundry service if you want. The main thing you are at school for is to learn and experience. The hardest thing for most kids is budgeting their time especially with all the freedom and distractions around.</p>
<p>The real challenge for you may be, if you go to a secular school, and haven't had much exposure to that sort of thing, feeling comfortable with the life style of the other students all around you and having enough people to socialize with. That, and the fact that you will want to keep your essence while still using college for exploration.</p>
<p>Make sure you visit and arrange for overnights at the schools."</p>
<p>Yeah, I definetly visited the school, and made sure the kosher food doesn't taste to bad. In terms of going to a secular school I actually have gone to one my whole life. I want to go to sem first so hopefully that should help me get used to being on my own in a sense. My top three choices (including Stern) all involved being in a frum environment for meals, housing, learning, studying, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help everyone.</p>
<p>Learn how to wash clothes and grocery shop even if it's just for snacks or refrigerator items. Make sure you know how to handle a checkbook and/or personal credit/debit card. If you live in a suite with a private bath, definitely make sure that you know how to clean up after yourself.</p>
<p>Keep an informal list of everything mom and dad do for you now, and figure out how you will do for yourself when mommie and daddy are not around anymore.</p>
<p>What basic supply of medicines for mild illnesses would everyone suggest bringing? I don't want to have to run to the drugstore or the doctor every time I feel a little under the weather.</p>
<p>I'd say cough medicine, throat lozenges, cold medicine, and Advil/Tylenol/something else along those lines.</p>
<p>Bandaids and neosporin, too. And vitamins! Take your vitamins.</p>
<p>If you're living on campus, you're still going to be babied. The bathroom and laundry room will be next door, food will be 5 minutes away and you'll just need to swipe a card to get in. It's not a huge change, as long as you still talk to your parents on the phone.</p>