Going to college out-of-state can be just as terrifying as it is exciting. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a whole new environment, but you'll also need to re-establish a routine. However, there are a few things you can do to make the most of studying in a new state.
1. Make A Realistic Budget
Living in a new state can come with additional costs that you didn’t have to deal with while living at home. Apart from your tuition, books, and stationery, consider the costs associated with where you’re going to live. This includes buying food, travel costs, and healthcare costs.
You’ll also need to do some research into how the cost of living differs in your new state as some areas are a lot more expensive than others. If you’re not familiar with making a budget, it’s a good time to draw on your loved ones’ experiences.
2. Get To Know Your New Location
It’s likely that you would have visited the campus before. However, before you start school, it’s important to know even more details about your new home. Where are you going to live? Where are you going to eat and shop for food? Will everything you need be on campus or will you have to travel regularly? What’s the best route to your classes? Is there a branch of your bank in the state? Will you need to find a new doctor immediately? The answers to these questions can also affect your budget so make notes as you go along.
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3. Plan Your Wardrobe
It might seem simple but there are a lot of factors to consider when planning your college wardrobe. You’ll need to think about the weather in your new state and how it might change. If you’re likely to do certain activities like swimming, then swimwear will be essential.
You should also consider how and how often you’ll be able to do your laundry. Since this can be determined by your budget as well, make sure to add it to your financial obligations.
Finally, certain items will be necessary depending on your course of study. For example, people in the sciences may need lab coats and sturdy clothing for excursions.
4. Create Your Routine
A key part of getting comfortable at your new college is establishing a new routine. While getting used to your schedule, you can also check out the various activities that are available on campus. It’s likely that you’ll find different educational or social clubs.
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Some colleges might have programs specifically for students who are from out-of-state. These programs are designed to help you get used to the new environment and might even include trips to interesting places nearby.
5. Prepare For The Emotional Challenges
Regardless of how well you plan, the emotional transition to a completely new environment can take its toll. Once you’re on campus, it’s good to get in contact with the guidance counselor for support.
It can also help to start establishing connections with people in your class or dorm. If it’s possible, communicate with your roommate before move-in day. Doing that can take some of the pressure off so you’re not meeting a complete stranger.
Great Ways To Keep In Touch With Loved Ones
The good news is that there are multiple ways to stay in contact with your loved ones while you’re away. Group chats are a great way to stay up to date with what’s going on with friends and family members. When you have something to share or you need someone to talk to, video calls can take the place of an in-person conversation.
It’s also a good idea to plan family activities like virtual movie nights, game nights, and dinners. You don’t have to depend on virtual interactions either. As you explore your new home state, sending pictures and postcards via mail is a wonderful way to give loved ones physical keepsakes to hold on to.
It’s an exciting time for you, but there are also a few areas you need to take care of to make sure things go smoothly. Remember that you don’t need to do this on your own, either. When you get your loved ones involved, you can build long-lasting memories as well.
