I've lived in the same house in the same town since the day I was born, and I've been friends with the same people since middle school. Being an introvert made the prospect of leaving all this behind to start my new life as a college student in Georgia even more nerve-wracking. I was afraid that I wouldn't fit in and that I'd spend my time in college watching Netflix alone in my dorm, but as I settled in, I realized that I would be okay. The more time that passed, the more I realized that being in a new state was an exciting adventure, not something to fear.
As I write this, I am starting my second semester, and I have picked up a few tricks and tips that I hope will help other out-of-staters as they either begin or continue on with their college experience. Here's my Out-of-Stater's Guide to the University.
1. Keep up with current events
The Georgia gubernatorial race was in full swing when I started college, and as an International Affairs major, the candidates and campaigns were often brought up in class discussions. I had absolutely no clue what was going on, to say the very least. This race also made its way into conversations with friends, and I felt like I couldn't participate. So, I did some quick research and read a few articles to get an idea of what was going on so I wouldn't feel as lost. While state elections only happen every few years and this example won't be relevant for every out-of-stater, it is still important to know what's going on in the state you're in so you can stay in the loop and feel like you fit in a little more.
2. Ask questions
I am very shy and asking questions tends to give me miniature anxiety attacks, but I learned quickly to ask questions when I don't understand what my friends are talking about. States have different slangs and dialects, so when I first came to Georgia, it wasn't unusual for me to not understand the sayings my in-state friends were using. I let myself be lost in conversation for way too long before I finally asked for clarification. I now know that "bumping" means jamming and that "bless her heart" is both passive-aggressive and endearing and "fixing" means wanting. Asking about these sayings and about geography helped give me the comfort of not feeling so out of the loop.
3. Find a friend with a car
I am definitely not advocating using someone and pretending to be their friend just so you can have a ride, but having friends with cars definitely has perks if you don't have one. My roommate is able to drive us to Walmart to get groceries and offers to take me to and from the airport for breaks. My friends are able to take us on spontaneous nighttime Target adventures. Friends with cars allow for more adventures and less money spent on Uber.
4. Don't be afraid to go home with friends for the weekend
On non-football weekends, campus tends to empty out. As an out-of-stater with nowhere to go, these days can feel lonely and bring about some home-sickness. While I personally have only done this once, if a friend invites you to go home with them for the weekend, don't be afraid to say yes! It gives you the opportunity to see a new place, get out of your twin-sized dorm bed, shower without shoes on, and get a home-cooked meal.
5. Just have fun!
Everyone is in the same boat in college, no matter where you're from- everyone is looking for a place they'll fit in and for friends to share the memories with. Don't let nerves or not knowing anyone or feeling a little lost cause you to miss out. Everything will fall into place.