We've all gone through it. There's nothing easy about moving into college and leaving home for the first time. Although you may be filled with excitement and anticipation, it's completely natural to feel slightly nervous. Since there really isn't anything that can fully take those nerves away, here are some (hopefully) helpful tips to think about as move-in day approaches.
Don't over-pack.
See, you may think you need it now but you're oh so intimately small space to be shared with another person thinks differently. Make sure to stick to the essentials while sneaking some extras in when you have room. Odds are you won't even end up wearing half of the clothes you bring so don't think you won't have enough to wear. Trust me when I say you won't be looking for a nice outfit when you wake up for that 8 am class.
It's okay to be afraid to leave home.
As much as I wanted to believe that it would be the easiest thing in the world to leave home, it really wasn't. You'll miss your parents as much as they may annoy you, and that's okay. You'll miss your dog (that's a given) and maybe even your sibling but just remember that it's not like you're going away forever. Although you're going to college, you can still go home. Nothing beats getting to go home to your bed and mom doing your laundry if you're lucky enough for her to offer.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
It's so easy to get all caught up in the small things that make up the first week or even the first day of college. You may lay awake at night wondering if you'll make friends, if classes will be easy or if you'll get along with your roommate. Although all of that may seem terrifying, eventually it will all fall into place. Now it's all absolutely easier said than done but everyone goes through the awkward ice breakers so don't think it's only you. Everyone is in the same boat.
Have fun.
College is a place to grow both personally and academically. With that being said, don't stress too much about the academics. Obviously, they're a huge priority but also make sure to have a little fun here and there. You have the rest of your life to stress over so many things so enjoy the time you have at college. People always say that your college years will be the best of your life and they're right. As long as you take advantage of opportunities presented to you, you'll be sure to make the most out of your college experience.
You'll get out of your college experience what you put into it so don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people. There will be times when you may feel alone or nervous but just know that you're not alone and everyone is dealing with the same things. Don't sweat the small stuff because everything will work out in the end.
