Scared of Moving to College?
How to Conquer Your Fears and Enjoy College Life
The first time I attended university, I moved from a small farming community, where the closest town had 500 residents, to a city with a population of 2 million. So, if you're feeling scared about moving to college, university or away from home for the first time, I know what you're going through. The great news is, there are lots of ways to ease your fears before you move.
Plan Your Move
We won't spend too much time talking about planning your move
since this is covered in other articles on this site (see:Moving to College), however, it is a key way of easing some of your fear. If your move is organized and you're well-prepared, then all that is left to do is to deal with the emotional stress, which is difficult enough.
since this is covered in other articles on this site (see:Moving to College), however, it is a key way of easing some of your fear. If your move is organized and you're well-prepared, then all that is left to do is to deal with the emotional stress, which is difficult enough.
Also, you'll probably find that once you start planning your move, whether it's booking a mover, plotting the route to school, arranging move-in dates at your dorm or purchasing much-needed items, you'll begin to feel yourself shifting your thoughts towards school and the excitement will naturally grow. I highly recommend that you start planning as soon as possible.
Connect With Others Online
· Most college freshmen have their ownFacebook group. Join up now before you arrive at school and connect with others who are in the very same situation as you. Some students are even able to connect with their roommates, housemates or students in the same department, class or sports team. It's a great way to "talk" with people you'll be spending a lot of time with. Find out when new students are getting together or create your own "meet and greet".
· Sign-up to receive notices from your school. Most schools provide a freshmen update to new students, letting you know about events and activities related to the start of term. Make sure you're on the list or check your school's web page regularly for updates. Sign up for as many events as possible; even if you're shy, you'll find adapting a lot easier if you jump in with both feet!
· Join online forums. There are some great online forums for first-year students specific to your school. Post questions, make connections and read other people's experience of moving away for the first time - it'll reassure you that you're not the only one.
Connect With Others on Campus
· Make sure you arrive in time for orientation. Orientation is the best way to meet new students, both in your residence and campus-wide. From pub-crawls to sports events, there's usually something for everyone. Some schools will connect you with a senior and provide familiarity tours so you can get to know where resources are located.
· Don't arrive too early. Depending on what kind of person you are, I suggest that you don't arrive at school too early. Homesickness usually hits when you have time to spare, so try to plan your move for a few days before orientation. This will give you time to settle in, tour the campus to find your classes, introduce yourself to others and to just hang out. On the other hand, some people might want a longer period of time to themselves to settle in. You decide what's best.
· Join clubs and sports teams. Before you move, check out the clubs and activities that your school offers. Clubs are a great way to get to know students from a diverse background and from different departments. Make a list of the clubs you'd like to join, note their meeting times and create a schedule for your first few weeks. Just remember not to join too many or you'll find yourself too busy. Keep room in your schedule for socializing with new friends and of course, homework!
Spend Time Saying Goodbye
· Get together with friends. As you plan your move to school, make sure you leave lots of time to spend with friends. While you might think this time together will make it more difficult to leave, you'll find that your friends become your greatest support and cheerleaders, and that support can be carried with you no matter where you go. It's probably also true that many of your friends are moving away from home so they'll be a great source of comfort as you discuss your fears and compare notes. Maybe spend a day shopping for stuff you'll need or go through course descriptions discussing what classes to take.
· Spend time in old haunts. Say goodbye to favorite spots even though you'll be back to visit now and again. Just take your time to savor the moment, but also to reflect on all the great new adventures you're going to have, the new haunts that you'll be calling your own and the new friends you're going to meet. Collect mementos along the way if you think keeping them with you will provide you with a bit of security; a kind of talisman to link you to your past.
Stay in Touch
· Create your own blog or web site. If you don't already have a blog, create one. Post photos, write about your experience and ask friends to post comments. It's a great way to stay in touch with your past, but to also say "hello" to your future. And at the end of your first year, you can look back and reflect on the changes and celebrate your victories!
· Gather your contacts. Remember to not only collect contact information of friends and family members, but also teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, employers and neighbors. You never know when you'll need to get in touch, to ask for advice or a reference.
· Make a deal with your parents. Before you leave, talk to your parents about your communication plan. Parents may insist that you call home once a week (or more often) so make sure you let them know how often you'll call and what you might need from them in terms of emotional support. You might find that you want to speak with them every night for the first couple of weeks, then that might change to once or twice a week. Just ensure that whatever arrangement you make, your parents also feel comfortable with it. Also, discuss with your parents how you'll pay for the calls. Your dorm may only have a pay phone available; find out before you move as you might need to invest in a calling card.
Take a Trip
If you have time, try to arrange a visit to the campus before you move. It'll help you orient yourself and to find out what you'll need to take with you. Also, visiting means that you get to spend some time in the new city. Make sure you take some time to see your neighborhood, visit your dorm or to find a place to live if you'll be off-campus. Try to arrange a visit early in the summer so that you have lots of time to make the necessary arrangements for your move.
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