Moving away for college?

[Karen]

I moved to college about an hour from home, and it was fine. The weekends I couldn't go home I always found a way to keep busy, and as I wasn't allowed to have a car, used public transportation a lot. I think living at school is a big step towards growing up - the friends I had who commuted instead of moving in general matured a lot slower than those of us who made the leap!

[CountryWolf07]

I moved away from home to Ohio State and I was 2 1/2 hours away from home, and I loved it. You really do find out who you are when you're away and on your own....

[Suki Wingy]

When I went to college, I moved six hours away to go to a community college and live with my dad and step-mom. As much as I loved the area, I hade a horrible time since I didn't know and didn't meet anyone while I was there. Both of my friends decided to go to a school in New Orleans, (we're from Illinois) so they only come home twice a year, but they have met so many people there, especially living in the dorms. They both love it there. I would say you'll probably miss Mikey a lot at first but it gets better as time goes on and it just makes the time you do get to spend at home that much more special.
(Of course now that it's happened three times I associate being at home as being between jobs and with no money or car. )

[happylabs]

Go for it! You will regret it if you don't. You may be homesick at first but you will get over it. With all of the modern technology of internet, Facebook, cell phones, etc., you can keep in contact with your family. And you don't really have to think of it as "moving out" of your family's home. You can go home at Christmas. My daughter is 20 and in her second year of college. I am so proud of her. She has grown and matured so much. She is my best friend in the world and I miss her but she is following her dreams. And, of course, you have friends here at PT if you need us.

[moosmom]

There IS no place like home. Remember this...if you don't do it, there will always be that "what if??" hanging over your head. You can always go back home if it doesn't work out. But if you don't try it, you'll never know and will kick yourself in the end (literally).

Talk to the kids who live on campus and get their opinions too.

Good luck!

[Taz_Zoee]

I never went away to college. I don't regret that, it just wasn't in the plans for me. Of course, I did move out of my parents house a couple months before I graduated from high school, so that could be the difference. Sure, I moved back home a few times after that too.

My oldest niece wanted nothing more than to move out and go to college. She was going to move in with me and Bruce but then decided to go to a school in Arizona instead. Then that fell through. So right now she is attending the community college and still plans to go to a "bigger" college soon. She might even still move in with me. Yay!!

I say go for it! You won't know unless you give it a try. You might even LOVE it!

[Cataholic]

I would encourage you to move out AND into the dorms. Great experience.