Going to college can be exciting and daunting at the same time but going to college and moving out of state can be overwhelming. There are quite a few things to do before one heads off to college, and when you’re headed out of state it can be even more complicated.
Thousands of college freshmen will be getting ready to attend a college that is located far from home. There are several things you can do to prepare, facilitate your move, and render your transfer more exciting than stressful. This is a huge step and involves quite a bit of change, so before moving here are some of the essential steps you need to take to prepare.
Familiarize Yourself with Your New College Town
While you may not be able to visit ahead of time, there are still things you can do to familiarize yourself with your new location. Check out the logistical organization of the campus and where the buildings where you will be taking classes are situated. Find out where libraries, theaters, parks, and public buildings are.
Read up on local eateries, coffee shops, pubs, hospitals, and even grocery stores so that you have a feel for the campus before you arrive. Find out if the town is known for a particular sport or activity and make note of any fairs, festivals, or popular events you can join.
Familiarize Yourself with the Local Weather
Your new college town may have a climate that is considerably different than where you live with your family. You can join school chat groups and ask fellow students about the local weather so that you bring along the proper wardrobe for where you are headed.
Also, look into local vegetation in the event that you are an allergy sufferer. You may need some extra medication for your new home away from home.
Research Transportation Choices
This is something that you will want to do both for returning home from campus and for moving about in your new town. If you hope to come home frequently, check out all travel options from buses and trains to flights, what they’ll cost you, and general schedules.
This will facilitate your planning so you can make the most of the time available. Always make sure you have emergency money set aside if you need to get home in a hurry.
Consider how you will be moving around the campus. Will you live in a college dorm or off campus? Are you bringing a car, do you plan on biking, or do you want to use public transportation?
Knowing this ahead of time will aid you in managing your expenses and preparing if you need to transport or purchase a bike or adjust a car insurance policy for students.
Plan and Pack What You Need to Take with You
If you will be in a dorm, don’t take unnecessary items. Make a list of everything you plan on bringing including laptop, tablet, clothes, footwear, books, and dorm necessities like sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, or whatever else your living arrangements may call for.
Make a budget and buy only the essentials and check with the college to ascertain if there are things they allow or restrict. Pack ahead of time and make an inventory, making sure to label all your belongings. Also plan whether you need a professional mover or if Mom and Dad will do.
Get in Touch with Your Roommate if Possible
Most students when living in a dormitory will end up sharing their quarters with a stranger. See if the college housing portal can put you in touch or request a contact phone number or email address and get to know each other’s living habits, likes, and dislikes so that moving in together will be less stressful.
Check if Your College has a New Student Portal
Verify if your new college has a new student portal or has created a new student profile for you. There may be summer preparatory assignments for your major, general information, or orientation events that you need to attend. Make sure you’re aware of these and stay updated.
Prepare a Local Support Network if Possible
If you have family or friends living in the area where you will be studying, make it a point to get in touch with them and stay in touch with them. This can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency or if you just feel a little homesick. It’s also time to acquire your own life insurance if you’re going to start living alone.
Before Moving Away
Going to college is a life-changing transition, so take the time in the summer before you leave to prepare calmly so that your last few weeks at home can be spent enjoying family and friends before departing on this new life chapter. Moving out of state is easy if you plan. The earlier you begin, the less stressful your move will be.
Follow all your new college’s regulations, especially for dorm assignments. These should be available on the school’s website. Talk to family members or friends if you feel any anxiety about your move. Many of them will already have experienced it.
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