<p>I'm a senior in HS. Just attended open house at the University at Buffalo. I live 5 hours away and its finally hitting me. I'm terrified to go to college. I don't want to leave everything behind. It sounds materialistic, but I don't want to leave the color of my room, my bed, my mom, all of my things. I'm a bit of a pack rat, everything has sentimental value but I can't bring it with me. Certainly not all of it at least. I don't know how to cope. I've paid my deposits, there's no going back at this point, but I'm freaking out so much I'm on the verge of throwing up. I don't want to leave behind my library of books, or the town library. I don't want to leave my wardrobe, my dog. All of it. I need all of it, and I can't have it because I will be five hours away. I don't know what to do. What will calm me down?</p>
<p>It’s just 5 hours (even if it seems like a long time, just think that it’s the length of only 2 movies). Can’t you drive back anytime you want.</p>
<p>I won’t have a car, I’d have to take the train, $120 round trip, or have my parents pick me up. Which is 20 hours travel time for them. I mean, I can go back, but not very often. I’m wishing I’d picked a closer school, like Oneonta or New Paltz because travel would be easier. But then I remind myself that Buffalo is a better school all around. And ugh. Just freaking out a bit.</p>
<p>I know it seems scary right now, but when you’re in college and getting involved, all your worries will kind of just fade away. I’ve always been a big homebody, so I was pretty nervous when I stayed in Hawaii while my parents moved to the East Coast in December. Moving from one side of the island (country to big city) was a huge adjustment, almost like moving to a different state. The point is, you’ll get used to living in the new place, everyone does. You’ll remember all the reasons you decided to go there and fall in love with it all over again.
Of course, I’m just speaking from personal experience:)</p>
<p>Well, you live 5 hours away. That’s a lot better than living halfway across the globe with a 13-hour time difference. Just a gentle reminder that there are people in worse situations.</p>
<p>But seriously, you don’t need to be too worried. Everyone’s gonna feel nervous going to a new school and meeting new people. It’s a completely natural reaction. Don’t overthink it. Just let it go and focus on something else instead.</p>
<p>And you don’t ~need~ those things. Really. You’ll soon get used to having new friends, new stuff, new libraries and whatever. You’ll enjoy college. It’ll be a whole new experience.</p>
<p>There is so much anxiety and excitement linked to going to college and I figure the only thing anyone can do is make the best of their situation. </p>
<p>Don’t be afraid of change because change isn’t going anywhere. Anyone who tries to do anything with their lives other than sitting on their mother’s couch will experience many changes in their lives, college being the first big one for many.</p>
<p>Im finishing up my freshman year of college, and right now i go to a small school about an hour away. The school is mostly a commuter college, so the campus empties on weekends and theres nothing to do, so i usually go home. But i mostly go home because I end up missing home and whatnot, although as the year has passed those feelings of wanting to go home have definitely eased up, and thats without me making any real connection at my school.
That said, im transferring to a large state school this fall, and it is about 4 and 1/2 hours away. So I will be in the same situation as you. It will be hard, but its something that i know i need to get used to. Just be sure to go out and get involved, be friendly. My first couple of days at college we had guys in my room to just hang out and watch TV, but since my roommate was an antisocial, he made it clear he didn’t want anyone hanging out in there. That def put a damper on the social aspect. This year, i’m joining marching band. Just get involved with something you like! Understand that others will be in the same situation as you. Push through and you will make it.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it, I am sure that your parents will want to have you back for weekends and such…you aren’t like across the country so you will be able to see them often and they might decide that you should get a car 
lol.</p>