Throughout my life I have moved to different states, different cities, and different homes. It always felt like the end of the world when it was happening, but after being in college for over a week now I realize how much it prepared me to be independent, and allowed me to move to a major city five hours from home. Although I am still in the midst of adjusting to the new university lifestyle, I can say for certain I am more prepared than I thought I would be.
1. Being Independent
Moving around a lot, especially as a kid, forces you to figure out who you are and what you like to do. This caused me to have a strong sense of self which has been vital when making any decision in college. It also allows me to be OK with being alone for extended periods of time and enjoy doing things by myself.
2. Meeting New People
Once you say goodbye to your family and friends and move-in to college, you are surrounded by thousands of unfamiliar people. Although this can be overwhelming, after moving around I have become much more of an outgoing person willing to talk to whoever. Along the same lines as this, you also become a lot better at finding people similar to you and making friends quickly.
(Remembering everyone's name, however, never gets any easier)
3. Making Somewhere New Feel Like Home
The bland, white-painted concrete walls can often times entrap you into your loneliness, and make your dorm feel anything but something you could call "home". However, with years of practice, I am able to personalize the smallest spaces to make them feel like a place I can call my own. Meaningful objects and pictures can transform anywhere into a positive atmosphere!
4. Maintaining Long Distant Relationships
Although nothing could ever compare to being minutes away from your best friends and family, you learn ways to keep your closeness with meaningful people. Whether it's through text, phone call, FaceTime, or Snapchat, there are options out there that have allowed me to stay in touch with everyone and not miss anything. The best part about LDRs (long distant relationships) is how great it feels to see the people you missed after months of being away and knowing distance didn't change anything.
5. Finding The Positives in New Experiences
With anything new it is extremely easy to be cynical and want to stay in your bed on your phone all day. After moving around, though, I have learned that staying negative never allows you to be truly happy in your current situation and when you seek positivity, positive things will happen to you.
Even though I've only been at college for a short time, I can already feel myself adjusting to this new lifestyle, which I can accredit to the many times I have moved and gone to new schools. Those experiences have shaped me and continue to shape me into an extremely adaptable and outgoing person, which are characteristics I am thankful for.
