Moving to college is a huge step in your life, from having home-cooked meals to food that was not made with love, and from having a dog or cat welcoming you when you get home to coming home to nothing except a bunch of essays that need to be done. College is extremely different, yet very exciting and new. Everyone has a unique experience their freshman year, whether you came from a family with four other siblings or you are the only child. For me, I was the only child -- close to my family and happy when I could snuggle with my dog. Moving to college was super exciting but emotional. To all of my only child/close-to-home kind of students, here is the best way to deal with moving to college.
The big move in day is the day we all get hyped up about yet still dread at the same time. When I moved in, I was really nervous because I had no idea what to expect, and also, this was the day I would meet my roommate. When we got to NKU, and after getting checked in, I finally met her. That helped a lot because she was super nice and helped me get moved in. So, step number one: find your roommate and try and get a nice connection with them, or even just be very open, because chances are they are nervous about college as well. By the way, let your parents do anything they want to do to help you get moved in. If you don’t like it, you can change it after they leave. If you let them help it’ll make them feel better about leaving you, and it also takes some pressure off of you, too. Once you are moved in and the orientation starts, enjoy it. Mingle with friends and find people you can hang out with that first night because you are not going to want to be alone. When everything is done it is time to say “See ya later” to your family. For me, this was hard because I knew it was coming. Not just that whole day, but once I knew where I was going to school, we all knew this day was coming. Don’t be ashamed to cry and hug as long as you want; your family is struggling, too. Smile and let them know whenever you will be home for break and tell them you’re just a phone call away. This helps the parents, but also helps you because you are hearing it out loud and know it is no big deal. After they leave, go find your friends you made that day and stay busy.
When you get homesick, don’t worry. This happens to every one of us at some point. Call or Skype your family and talk to them; tell them about what you have been up to so far in college; talk about what you are going to do when you get home for break. This is nothing to be embarrassed by; sometimes people give you grief because you miss your home or you want to go home for the weekend to hang out with some of your family and friends. Chances are, they are jealous that you have a close and strong relationship with your family. I think being an only child is great because we get all of the love and attention, plus all of the clothes and Christmas gifts. You don’t have to share with anyone else and your family can focus on you and get totally involved with your life.
You are starting your own life once you move to college. It is all you. This is the time when you find yourself and what you want to do with your life. You need to focus on yourself. Yes, talk to your family. Go home for a weekend or two. But they want you to find yourself and have a great future. Sometimes you have to have alone time for that. Once you reach your dream or get that dream job you have always wanted, you can thank them for always being there for you and giving you the chance to learn how to be on your own and make your dream a reality.
Being an only child does have its advantages. Having a close relationship with your family is so important, and when you are the only child, your family members are usually your best friends. When you move to college take chances and make mistakes -- that’s what college is for. Just know that your family will always be there to cheer you on.
Reasons why I love being an only child.
