January 21, 2018. The day I committed to Binghamton University as a Political Science major. From that day on conversations had become so different. Instead of, "what is your top college?" or "where do you want to go?", it now became tips on how to survive my next four years, four hours away from home!

As someone who hated sleepovers and didn't attend sleepaway camp for more than four weeks, this was about to become the biggest change of my life. Living with divorced parents, I thought maybe it wont be so hard since I have gone days without seeing one of my parents while I would be spending time with my other parent. Well I was very, very wrong.

I love college. The freedom, the unlimited sleepovers, my friends who are slowly becoming family, and all the people I don't know but are still super nice and friendly. But I also hate college. Luckily, for me, I go to college with my older brother. But growing up I was always very close to my cousins. Mom's side, dad's side, didn't matter because I always loved spending time with their families. From birthdays, bar/bat mitzvah's, shabbat dinners, holidays, and family reunions, to time together "just because", it was always a good time with my family. And it's definitely what I miss the most.

All throughout high school, you are "prepared" for the work load you are about to receive in college. But no one ever prepares you for the piece of your heart that is left behind in your hometown while you are away for the next four years. Now being two months into college I wantto share with you what I have realized being away from the people I love the most:

1.Hug your loved ones!

Growing up I hated hugs. I never showed affection to the ones I loved, I would kiss family hello and goodbye because I felt I had to. I had some friends who would hug each other whenever we all hung out. I never hugged them back. And that is my biggest regret. The things I would do right now to have a hug from my mom or dad, or even one of my best friends from home, is indescribable. So please do me, and yourself, a favor, and hug your loved ones because soon enough you'll have to wait months for a hug from the people you love the most!

2.Don't be afraid to cry!

Everyone around you is in the same exact position as you are. Whether they loved sleepovers, or spent every summer at sleepaway camp, nothing is like college. College is time for change. A time where you are put into a new location, near or far from home, and are expected to cook, clean, and do everything on your own. It's very new to everyone, so don't be embarrassed to cry! A good cry is needed every once in a while!

3.Call your parents!

Being someone who was considered independent by many, I was also very dependent on my parents throughout high school, it is very weird going hours without hearing their voices. Whether you're on your walk home from classes or just sitting around doing nothing, calling your parents is probably the best way to past time! They will answer you, and they probably miss you just as much, if not more, than you miss them! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with my school work and don't get around to calling them, but I definitely text them everyday because talking to them makes me feel at home! Even if it's once a week, it's nice talking to the people who got you to where you are; so always remember, they are a single phone call, facetime, or text away!

I hope this helps you emotionally prepare for your time in college, whenever that may be. Mental preparation is important, which is why we attend school for 13 years prior to college, but emotional preparation is just as important. These are the three most important things I have learned in these past two months at college, and what I feel is the most important things to do so that you don't have to leave a piece of your heart at home!