Dear Out-of-State Students,

You have made a brave decision. It's not easy to step out of your comfort zone and go to a school so far away from home. Trust me on this, you have made the right decision.

That thrill you're feeling right now (mixed with slight to extreme anxiety) means that something big is coming for you. Even though you are leaving the place you've known for your whole life, you're expanding the places you've been and the experiences you've had.

If you're anything like me, you will have your friends and family constantly asking you if you're sure you want to go that far away from home.

The only appropriate answer:

Don't let them get to you. You know what's best for you. It will help to hear them out to get a better view of what you're getting yourself into, but only you can decide if this is the right move for you.

I will be honest, you ARE going to feel like you made the wrong choice and wish t transfer somewhere closer to home. There will be some rough times and maybe some sleepless nights. Whether it is one state away or across the country, just remember you can do it!

If you feel any stress or regret about your decision, there are an abundance of resources on campus you can go to. Talk to a friend. Talk to a professor. See a therapist. There is no shame in feeling homesick.

If there is one thing I've learned from being an out-of-state student, it's that it is crucial to stay in touch with your life back home. It is not uncommon of a student going to a different state to feel that the most effective way to get over homesickness is to not have any contact with family or friends for the first couple day or even weeks. (I was one of them.)

Staying in contact with family and friends is really important. Not just to "stay true to who you are" (even though that is important, too), but to ensure that you have support in this time of change when you may not have found that yet at school.

That being said, it shouldn't take long for you to find that support!

Join a club. Start a study group. Look where you wouldn't normally. Sometimes, the best friends you will make will be the ones you least expect.

These friends will be your solace in your time of need. And who knows they may need your help as well!

Keep in mind, however, that out-of-state is not for everyone and there is NO shame in acknowledging that you've bitten off more than you can chew.

In more cases than not, you're going out and following your dreams. Keep your heart in it. No matter what challenges get thrown your way, don't give up. If this is truly worth it, you will know it and push even harder through the challenges.

Personally, I almost couldn't stick it out. I thought the Boston was going to be my home forever. I never thought I'd find a home in small-town Granville, Ohio.

You have a great four years ahead of you and the experiences you make, you will never forget.

Sincerely,

An Out-of-Stater Friend