Stay in Touch
- Create your own blog or web site. If you don't already have a blog, create one. Post photos, write about your experience and ask friends to post comments. It's a great way to stay in touch with your past, but to also say "hello" to your future. And at the end of your first year, you can look back and reflect on the changes and celebrate your victories!
- Gather your contacts. Remember to not only collect contact information of friends and family members, but also teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, employers and neighbors. You never know when you'll need to get in touch, to ask for advice or a reference.
- Make a deal with your parents. Before you leave, talk to your parents about your communication plan. Parents may insist that you call home once a week (or more often) so make sure you let them know how often you'll call and what you might need from them in terms of emotional support. You might find that you want to speak with them every night for the first couple of weeks, then that might change to once or twice a week. Just ensure that whatever arrangement you make, your parents also feel comfortable with it. Also, discuss with your parents how you'll pay for the calls. Your dorm may only have a pay phone available; find out before you move as you might need to invest in a calling card.
Take a Trip
If you have time, try to arrange a visit to the campus before you move. It'll help you orient yourself and to find out what you'll need to take with you. Also, visiting means that you get to spend some time in the new city. Make sure you take some time to see your neighborhood, visit your dorm or to find a place to live if you'll be off-campus. Try to arrange a visit early in the summer so that you have lots of time to make the necessary arrangements for your move.
