Seven hundred miles to self-discovery: a college journey

Leaving home for college is a milestone filled with excitement, but let’s be honest, a fair share of nerves and the fear of the unknown. For most students, that transition also comes with the challenge of moving hundreds of miles away from home, their family, and everything they’ve ever known or been familiar with. The distance sure feels terrifying and challenging but can also spark unexpected growth and show young students blessings they never thought they would need.

The Challenges

First, there’s homesickness. Even the most independent students will find themselves missing home, their dog or even just their bed. I know that I do. Home cooked meals, family traditions or simply knowing the comfort of their support system being down the hallway from them. Time zone differences can make the move even more difficult, and being so far from home can make it hard to visit home because of travel expenses.

Being independent can be someone’s strong suit, but moving hundreds of miles away from home can make the most independent person feel distraught, confused and hopeless. Laundry, grocery shopping, dishes and even making your bed in the morning must be done by students alone who decide to move away, and this can make someone feel afraid or hesitant to move away because there is no family safety net to push them to complete normal daily or weekly tasks. At first, this level of independence feels scary, but is definitely manageable and easy to settle into.

The Blessings

Though these challenges are real, distance definitely comes with rewards. Living far away from home makes students more mature and forces them to problem solve and make decisions on their own. This can expand their views on certain topics when it comes to politics or simply just how to fold laundry. Moving far away from home exposes you to different types of people with different cultures and traditions. I think that’s a big deal because I would not be the person I am today if I didn’t move 700 miles away from New Jersey and make friends from all over the country.

Also, there is a sense of freedom. Being far from your hometown expectations, students can figure themselves out, try new things, and explore different activities and hobbies that aren’t available in their hometown. Many students realize they are resilient, and brave, and didn’t know they could be this strong.

My Advice

I grew up in North Jersey and decided to come to school in Kentucky. Being a senior in high school when I committed to coming here, I didn’t realize the strength I would need to leave my entire life behind. The college search process is stressful, and I think that I was just excited for college, and ready to leave my hometown like many seniors. Moving 700 miles away was difficult in the beginning weeks. I was scared and felt like I wasn’t meant to come here. Thankfully, I did everything in my power to get out of my dorm and try to get involved, and staff and students at the University of Kentucky really showed me that I am loved, and I belong here.

One of my biggest pieces of advice for students who just started their freshman year in college is to stay connected with their family members and friends from home. Make a specific time to call your parents. They truly miss you as much as you miss them. This will help you feel more at home, but do not let homesickness keep you from engaging on campus.

Make sure you embrace your time away. This opportunity is for YOU. Do what makes you scared and do what makes you happy. When I first got to school, I was a mess. I didn’t want to leave my bed, turn my lights on, or even eat. Now that I’ve been here for some time, I see this experience as growth, not distance. You’re not just leaving home, you are expanding your world and life.

My last piece of advice is to make sure you take care of yourself. Balance is key. College is a mix of academics, social life and personal growth. Just because you are there to get an education and prepare for your future, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be sleeping or eating. Mental health matters! Also, whether it’s counseling services, academic support or reaching out to a friend, make sure you are asking for help! You are not alone!

I believe that moving far away from home is more than just a geographic change, it’s a personal development that is needed for students. The distance may feel daunting at first, but it’s also a path in independence, and self-discovery. In time, the miles between home and campus become thoughts of growth, but not separation. Moving away from home is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to go far!