I'm very worried about going away to college for the first time?

Question

I'm 20 and got my associate's while staying here at home and working. i'm glad i did that, but i feel like i got so settled into my routine that now i'm really scared of leaving home. my college is a few hours away from home. i know in the long run it'll be a good thing and make me more independent, but everyone talks about how once you go away to school your home really doesn't feel like home anymore, and i don't want that to happen because i've really enjoyed being with my family for these extra couple years. i know i'm going to be terribly homesick, and just can't stop worrying about how fast everything is going to start moving now. i'm not sure if i'm ready.

Answer 1

I may not be the best person to advise you since I was thrilled to get away from home when I went to college.  But, I can tell you, it does change you.  I changed for the better, though.  I went to a college where I knew NO ONE.  There wasn't even 1 person from my high school.  So, I got to figure out who I was without anyone knowing my past or pegging me into something.  I'm sure the first few months will be tough, but it is important to get to know who you are away from your parents.  Good luck, and stick it out for the year, at least.

Answer 2

maybe it was going to overnight camp for years, maybe i was just ready to get out of the house. Living away from home at college is a great experience. Assuming you're sociable and like to be around new people, you will forget you were ever worried about leaving home.

Home will always be home. I've lived at home this summer after completing 2 years of college and it feels completely normal. If anything, I've become closer with my family after leaving for school.

Don't be worried about going away. You will change for the better and hopefully you will have some awesome experiences. I don't think things will start moving "faster," but they will be different. If you had a good relationship with your family, you might not be desiring things such as freedom, which is what I wanted (no curfews, being able to drink, inviting girls into your room, etc). It might be different for you - I don't know.

Bottom line, change can be tough, but I assure you it will be for the better. Embrace the change and have an AWESOME time at school.