Starting college can be scary. It’s easy to feel like you’re going to miss a lot of things when you move away. But some of the things you expect to miss, you won’t. And you may end of missing things you never imagined. Most kids miss generally the same things. I’ve compiled a list of four things you may end up missing and ways to deal with it.
Meal plans and microwavable food get old, fast. After a while you’re going to miss your mom’s home-cooked meals. You may even find yourself craving that one nasty meal your family at together just because it wasn’t dining hall food. Cooking real meals doesn’t always fit into a student’s budget. Eating in cafeterias, restaurants or making Ramen noodles in the microwave night after night will add on those dreaded Freshman 15. Home-cooked meals are full of care and comfort, and they generally taste better than take out.
How to cope:
Learn how to cook some meals yourself! Ask your family cook to teach you how to cook your favorite meal or buy a cook book and learn to cook something new. Most resident halls have a kitchenette in the building. Also, look into any cooking programs your college may offer. You can even look for cooking classes around the community – some even give discounts for college students. Cooking for yourself can help you deal with missing meals from home. If you live near by, I am sure your mom would not mind you picking up a doggy bag every once in a while, either.
Even if you’re WAY too excited to get out of your parents grasps once you leave for college. You WILL miss them. The little things they do for you make a huge difference in your day. Some days you just need a hug from a family member.
How to cope:
Video chat! It doesn’t matter if you’re using Facetime, Skype, or even live snapchat video feed, it helps just seeing their face while they talk. Talking on the phone is great for quick and convenient contact.
It’s easy to miss the close friendships you gain in high school. You went through so many years of schooling with them. Some of the people you may have even grown up with. They’re the people you can really be yourself around, and you have many inside jokes and memories you don’t want to give up.
How to cope:
You may come to realize that some of those people were only your friends because you saw them for five days a week for years. No one is going to be mad at you for making new friends, so do it! You’re going to meet so many different people, and it’ll be great. If you’re lucky enough that your friends go to the same college as you, get lunch with them one day. If they’re going to a different school, keep up with them through social media. But mainly, make new friends. They’re the ones that will make transitioning into college so much easier.
Your pets are the ones that love you no matter what. They’re you best friends, great cuddling partners, and great listeners. They don’t judge you based on the secrets you’ve told them. And they’re the cutest things in the world.
How to cope:
If seeing your pets only on breaks isn’t enough, try volunteering at an animal shelter. Most allow you to pick where you’d like to work. You can take the animals for walks, feed them, play with them, or help families pick which on to walk. Volunteering gives those animals love and affection and can hold you over until you get to see your own. Some dorm may also allow fish, but not all.
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