Going to college and living on your own!
Are you going to college and living on your own for the first time? Whether you choose a college near or far from home (or somewhere in between), distance is likely to be a key factor in your college choice.
Some people crave independence and have the desire to not only travel to far off destinations but to truly experience four years (or more) of life far from home. Others deeply rely on family and community support to thrive and succeed in new situations, such as going to college.
Either way, living and learning in a new place (whether near or far) is an adjustment. Here are some thoughts and advice from current college students on different aspects of living on your own!
Prepare over the summer months
Use the summer to get ahead. Organize your supplies, check out your classes, and try to connect with people before school starts. It’ll make the transition smoother and less stressful when you get there. – Caleb F.
Take advantage of campus staff and resources
There are so many people here who want you to succeed and excel. Bluffton offers lots of resources on campus to help making living on your own easier. Personally, one of the most important resources we have on campus are the Resident Advisors. Whether you need help with schoolwork, your roommate, or even just life they are always there to talk with open doors and no judgement. – Zachary J.
Talk to your roommate before move in
The transition from living at home to living on campus is a big change. The biggest struggle I had was having to live with a roommate for the first time. Advice that I would give is to reach out to your roommate before you move in to talk about your schedules and boundaries to reduce any conflicts or issues that you may have. You take on many responsibilities and you find out who you are during this time. You make many friends and gain a sense of independence. You also find out what works and what doesn’t work for you. Also, check out what to bring on your university’s website. Once you’re there, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make new friends! – Emily B.
Set a schedule
My advice is to try different methods and find what works best for you. I’ve tried a book planner and the past couple of years I have been using my apple calendar by creating a new calendar for the different categories of things I have going on. This helps keep my calendar color coded for my different activities so I can easily see what I have going on throughout the day. – Sydney G.
There will be nerves
At first, it’s tough being away from home, but it’s a huge chance to grow. You’ll be nervous and excited, but you’ll get used to it and learn to live on your own. Your family’s got your back when you really need them. It can be hard to stick to a schedule, but once you get a routine, it helps with homesickness. Living on your own is tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll do. – Carter R.
Other thoughts on going to college and living on your own!
You will face challenges and frustrations when you leave home for college. If you live in a residence hall, you may not be able to have a car due to restrictions on campus parking, have a pet on campus to comfort you or have a private bathroom. However, there are a lot of positive aspects of residence life to focus on. You will always be near future friends and study partners, campus staff and fellow students regularly offer programming to keep you entertained, and you’ll be just a walk or quick bus ride to class, the gym and athletics facilities.
