There comes a moment in time when you have to decide where you would like to be for college. Do you want to stay close to home or move faraway? There is no wrong choice here, just have to figure out what is right for you! If you decided to branch out and move to the opposite coast, like me, then I think these 8 things you will resinate with. There can be so much more added to this list, but I thought these few were right on point on what will happen when you move away to start your new chapter!
1. You will want to take everything with you!
It will be the things that you favor the most, that make you feel connected to home that you will want with you, it could even be your dog. For me it was my clothes, I wanted everything I owned going to the east coast, but I did sadly realize I could not make it happen. However, I managed to stuff and ship a ton, because you got to do what you got to do, right?! So, all the more power to you if you can hide your furry pal in your bag!
2. Traveling to your destination is exciting and bittersweet.
When waking up to the final hours before you head off into your new journey, you will find yourself reflecting on your summer, your life before this moment, and who you are as a person. All good things. The flight is fun, cause if your like me, you will tell complete strangers, “hey, did you know I’m leaving for college?” well, of course they don't! I also was anxious, I’m sure many of you felt that way too.
3. Move in Day is here!
Move in day can be super stressful, trust me when I tell you, it is not all rainbows and butterflies! There are tons of people, if you can cram in the elevator your lucky, and emotions are running high. For me, I was on the 10th floor, the “penthouse” of the dorm, we took the stairs. On the bright side, I was meeting all the girls on my side of the floor and loved them instantly. When all was said & done, your room will be the best looking it will ever be the whole year, and then it creeps up that you'll have to say goodbye, to your loved ones. These pictures should sum it up for you. I cried after she left, my mama was leaving me for the first time.
4. You will get homesick, and it is totally ok.
I had plenty of times where I was ready to pack up all of my things and go home, but I realized it wasn’t because I did not like the school, it was because I simply missed home. Sometimes it can be hard to adjust to a different lifestyle, on top of missing your family & friends, your favorite food joints, and so on. When it will really hit is when you can’t spend a couple of the holidays with your family because there is just not enough time to travel. Fortunately, enough, you will have your friend’s families open their arms and have you over for those special times and make sure you feel like your home, it's something to be super thankful for.
5. You make new friends & meet a lot of people!
Some of the best people I have ever met, have been from this first year of college, whether I am close friends with them or not, it was great. I was known as "the cali girl" for a while at school, I fully embraced it and still laugh about it till this day! It's a nickname I will love forever. So now, you will find yourself having friends from all over! My friends are my family and I would not have it any other way, I could not imagine my life without them. The bond we have is so special and we know each other from front to back, simple as that.
Love y'all!6. Not everything will be perfect by any means.
Nothing in life is absolutely perfect, and your college experience won’t be either, my first year I learned a lot about myself and others. It's a little something called, living and learning, it is the only way to do it. I made my own choices, just like everyone does, some I am proud of, others that I do not regret but I do wish went differently. You will feel every emotion on the planet, excitement, disappointment, joy, you name it, it will happen. You may even have your heartbroken, but just remember to stay true to who you are and know it will all be okay.
7. It is actually a lot more fun to live on two different coasts!
You may not know where everything is on your new coast in correlation to your location, like your friends do, but you sure can answer any question about your own coast. Moving faraway from home you get to experience things that are so different from your other life, it's a real treat. Seasons are probably my ultimate favorite part about living on the East Coast, cause I never really got to experience all of them before. It doesn't hurt either to know you aren't that far from some of the best places in the world, like Boston & NYC, too. I try to infuse my two lifestyles as much as possible and think I am a 50/50 gal now!
8. The part nobody is prepared for, but you may think you are, summer time!
I had mixed feelings about summer, I love my school so much and the people that I could not bear the idea of having to leave, then again I knew the beach & California sun was calling my name. Many may feel stoked for summer, but trust me, the tears will come and you will be on the airplane or in the car crying the whole way home. The people you have formed relationships with, the unforgettable memories, and your new found self, won't be ready for the, "see you later" part. You love it all and want it to never end. The thought of everyone just having summer there, minus the having to go to class part, is the best dream!
In the end, moving faraway from home is a whirlwind of emotions and incredible times. I can't wait for Sophomore year! See you very soon SHU!
~ Bell
