So you’ve decided to take that big step and move hundreds of miles away from home to a college out of your home state. This decision is likely frightening, exciting, and sad at the same time. I had also made this big step towards what I thought would be freedom just under a year ago. Through this process, I gained some valuable knowledge about how to prepare for out-of-state colleges which I now pass on to you.
The first thing you should do once you’ve decided on a school out of state, is figure out how you’re going to pay for it. Find out what loans, grants, and scholarships are available though that state using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Most states require you to be a resident of that state for over a year before you will be eligible to receive certain types of Federal aid. Also, speaking to one of the school’s financial advisors will be helpful in figuring out the best way for you as an individual to finance your education.
Secondly, plan a trip with one or both of your parents or guardians to visit the school. For me, this meant flying to New York City with my dad. It can help ease the worrying minds of those who love and care about you if they can visit the school, see exactly where you’ll be living, and talk to your advisors. My school held an admitted students day in March before the August I was enrolling which allowed parents to meet with other parents, take a tour of the dorms with their kids, and meet with the Dean of the university. This will also be very helpful for you as the students. Since it will most likely be one of the first few times you’ve actually seen the school, it can help you get used to your surroundings and even meet other potential students. I ended up finding my roommate this way.
One thing you should remember, is that because it’s further away from home, some things will be more difficult. If you have to audition, submit a portfolio, take placements tests, or anything like that to be accepted into a certain major or class, factor in the extra costs of travel. Also, you will probably get a lot of information later than other students depending on how far away you are from the school. I was living in California and moving to New York City. I received my dorm assignment and other exciting information later than my roommate who lived in Queens, New York. Be prepared for that.
Be conscious of the transportation in your new home. For me that meant memorizing the subway map, checking out prices for bus passes and subway passes, etc. A friend of mine goes to UC Berkeley and the school offers the students a discounted bus pass. If you aren’t lucky enough to be able to bring along a car, make sure you know how you’re going to get around. This is also something to do once you get there. Find out the fastest ways to and from your school to your dorms or apartment.
The biggest obstacle for me was trying to decide which of my possessions I was going to take with me and how I was going to get it all across the country. I ended up shipping three boxes to the hotel I was staying at before move-in day, packing a bunch in suitcases, and then buying all the rest of the stuff I needed for my dorm when I got there. The downfall of this was that shipping ended up being very expensive. This might not be the best choice for everyone. You can rent out storage facilities that can be shipped across the country if you are moving into an apartment and need to bring furniture. Also, Bed, Bath, and Beyond has a great system worked out. You can visit a store in your home town and pick out everything you want to buy ahead of time and then they will ship it to a Bed, Bath and Beyond in your new city for free where you can pick it up. I found it best to take one parent with me to help me move in.
Also, be aware of all the important dates related with school. Make your plans around those events, don’t fit those events into your schedule. It can be stressful and unnecessarily dreadful if your plans change and you have to move things around to make sure you get to your new city in time to move in before school starts.
Lastly, one of the scariest things a student in a new city might face is worrying about making new friends. What I found very helpful was looking up my school on Facebook. I ended up finding a group for my class at the school I was attending. We all started chatting and became friends well before school started. It was nice to feel like I already fit in before school even started. It can be a lot less stressful to at least know a few faces. If you didn’t get to pick your roommate, look them up once you receive the assignment. It will help to know them a little bit beforehand and also discuss who is bringing what so you don’t have two toasters and no mini fridge.
