So this will be my third year here at Grand Canyon University... Time flies guys! I'm from a small farm town in Washington born and raised. Where everyone knew everyone and there was no such thing as secrets. So needless to say I could NOT wait to move out and as far away as possible. Well Arizona isn't too far but far enough for me! So here are some things I wish I would've been told when I was preparing to move to the place I would call home for the upcoming four years!
1. GET OUT OF THE DORM!
Seriously do NOT be the homebody to never leave the dorm! Especially move in week that’s the time to wander around campus and get to know your area! Believe me it’s much better getting lost during welcome week, than waiting till classes start and have no clue where you are going. Check out where your classes are beforehand! And of course, most importantly for us college students, know where the food is.
2. Keep your parents involved.
Or a grandparent or a teacher that pushed you in high school. Maybe a best friend. The people who weren't just along for the ride, but they encouraged you to do better! I know how exciting it is to finally be out and have “freedom” but really where would you be without these people? Would you really have the confidence to attend a school out of state? So just do it! Call home; call the people who have shaped you into the person you are today. Trust me; it doesn’t make you less cool. Chicks dig it!
3. Get involved!
I cannot stress this enough guys! Many schools for the first week or month have a series of fun events you can attend. If your school has an event where you can meet other students from out of state, go to it! Go to basketball games, soccer matches; be on an intramural team. It’s great to have some down time to yourself and to spend time doing homework or binge watching "Grey's Anatomy." That’s great! But don’t let it consume you! Get out!
4. Set boundaries with your roommates right off.
The first week of moving into a dorm or living with a roommate, set your boundaries in the very beginning. Don’t wait till something terrible happens like your roommate using your toothbrush and razor. Don’t wait until you feel uncomfortable. It’s ok to set boundaries. It’s ok if they don’t fully agree with you but hey, I’m sure they have boundaries you won’t fully agree with either, but consider both sides and come to an agreement when you first meet. Maybe make it fun though! Go on a walk around campus together! Or take this time to explore the city if you have a car. Or go on an adventure to make a memory like go skydiving and talk about it all on the flight up! Make the conversation as light and bubbly as possible. You’re going to be living with this person for months; it's not so wise making enemies the first time you discuss this.
5. Get some Jesus.
I know this is not everyone’s cup of tea but what can it hurt? Life can be challenging and sometimes you can feel alone and stressed even if you do everything I just told you to do! It can be a challenge, so sometimes just a simple prayer to the man upstairs can help. Now fair warning, this Big Guy isn’t just any vending machine where you get EXACTLY what you want right then. He has His own timing and His own plan. It may not happen immediately. And even what you ask for He may not give you but don’t worry He always has something better up His sleeve in the end!
This is all I have for now, but let me just finish by saying, if you're still on the fence about moving to another state whether it's for schooling or work, if you are able to do so, then just go! It can be scary, overwhelming at times but really it's so worth it! Congratulations for making it through high school and whatever else has brought you to this time in your life that makes you open this article in the first place!
