Things to Keep in Mind When You’re Starting School Alone

You’re not the first person to start college completely alone, and you won’t be the last. This isn’t a bad thing. College is a fresh start, a chance to meet new people and a chance to get out of your shell.

So, before you panic and think your life is over, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• No one knows everyone. Everyone is starting over in some sense.
  • Sure, some students will start college with all of their friends from high school but there are likely to be thousands of students that they don’t know. Don’t get caught up in the number of friends you have. Instead, focus on creating friendships with people you actually like to spend time with.

• Don’t knock it until you try it.
  • There will be thousands of club meetings, events on campus, and different group activities. Don’t say you dislike something until you try it. Who knows? You might just meet your new best friend.

• It’s okay to be homesick.
  • Everyone misses home at some point. The food, the family, it’s just comfortable. You’re allowed to miss home and don’t be embarrassed to visit. Just make sure that you aren’t visiting so much that you don’t get to enjoy college.

• Be open to new people.
  • Talk to people. No one knows everyone. The person in front of you in line for coffee could be just as overwhelmed. Take a second to say hi or give them a compliment. You never know.

Starting college alone is overwhelming.

There is no easy solution, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Keep an open mind and try new things. By next semester you’ll forget what it was like to be the “new” kid.

Have any advice for starting school alone? Let us know.