Any tips on moving away for college? Possibly going from one coast to the other and if not I’ll be a good few states away. Making friends? Being in a total new area? Maybe a list of things I should make sure are a priority before making the move?
Check where the closest airport is and what the average airfare is. If flying home is too expensive or difficult, you might not get to see your family as often as you would like. Pack light. Whatever you bring to college, you will have to move many times. Dorm rooms have to be cleared out shortly after finals. I knew someone who actually brought about 30 boxes of crap to college.
Personally, I always advise kids in my school to think twice about going TOO far away. The previous comment about airfare is a good example of why.
If grandma has a stroke in the next 4 years, will you be able to get to her bedside to say goodbye and that you love her? If your sister gets engaged, will you be able to get to the engagement party? To the wedding? Will mom or dad be able to get to you without maxing out the credit cards if you’re involved in a serious accident or come down seriously ill? (I’m not talking strep or something like that, I’m talking scary-sick. I once knew a family whose son contracted encephalitis away at school. Luckily he was a 3 hour drive from home.) And if you do come down with “only strep” will you be OK getting through it alone?
bjkmom, all what you say is true but the same could happen if they get a job far away from home as well. As parents we want our kids closer to home than further but ultimately they do have to live their own lives and we all have to make the best of it.
Things to consider:
Do like urban or rural or in-between?
Is time / expense and issue? If so, consider if a school which can be reached without stops and additional bus / trains. Or better yet, choose a drivable location (up to 11 - 12 hours in my opinion).
Weather could be an issue. If you are thinking of Penn and you’ve lived in San Diego your whole life, prepare yourself for seasons. Most especially the winter season. Philadelphia January’s can be pretty raw. Don’t romanticize how difficult this can be. Or maybe it won’t be for you. But be aware that you will introduced to a whole new set of clothing!
I don’t think friends will be an issue if you choose a school which temperamentally suits you because you will be there with thousands of like minded classmates.
How attentive is the school to the needs of long distance students? Do the keep dorms / dining open over Thanksgiving or even Christmas / winter holiday, for example?
Look for the best Fit colleges for you, depending on your potential major, large or small school, greek or no greek life, etc. Then be sure to apply to some that are closer to your home, and some that are scattered about the country. That way you will have choices when you have to make your final decision in late April of your senior year.
How you feel right now about moving far away could change or not. Some students are ready for an adventure on their own, and some would be more comfortable being able to get a ride home on occasional weekends. There is no right or wrong, just what suits your personality best.
Now is the time to develop independent living skills you will need whether you are one hour away from home or across the country. Doing your own laundry, managing your own checking account, practicing navigating travel on your own, whether that is subways, train stations, or airports, these are all skills that will give you more confidence in a new living situation.
Take good care of your body (understand how to get refills for medications if you take meds on a regular basis, keep a copy of your insurance card, choose to eat healthier foods, take vitamins, etc.) You won’t have access to the medicine cabinet at home, so stock up on the basics, even if you’ll have access to a health center on campus. You don’t want to be walking around bumming advil at 2 am.
If you will be bringing a car with you, you’ll want to be familiar with maintenance requirements. Even if you are on a meal plan, it helps to have some knowledge of grocery shopping and a couple of easy meals you can make for yourself. What happens if your button pops off your shirt? Learn some skills, or at least have some tools to help you fake it til the next time you get home. (Bobby pins and duct tape do come in handy to fix wardrobe malfunctions…don’t ask me how I know these things.) Practice budgeting your money to make it last from paycheck to paycheck.
If your parents are literally doing everything for you, you will have a rude awakening when you show up on campus. If you are already doing some or all of these things, then good for you. You’ll be surrounded by clueless freshman and you can share all your vast knowledge and make new friends.