Going to College out of state can be daunting, but making the move doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some tips and tricks to make going to college out of state easier from a fellow out of state student.

Here Are Some Things To Think About When Going to College Out of State

What Topics Can be Found in This Post:

Picking a College // Packing! It’s Time To Move // Saying Goodbye // Extra Tips and Tricks

Picking a College

Maybe the most important part, picking a college should be the first thing you try to tackle. With the vast amount of potential schools out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t get carried away too fast. There are a few things that you can take into consideration when picking a school.

You may have toured some colleges and universities during your last few years of high school. This is extremely helpful for a number of reasons when it comes to picking the perfect school for you. First, it is important to know if the schools you are interested in have a decent program surrounding your preferred major. This can be a big influencer in choosing which school to attend in the fall.

Another thing to take into account would be the school’s campus. This may seem obvious, however it’s easy to just make a decision based on the way the school looks the day you visit. This can be the fun part, but it requires a little bit of work. Not only should you enjoy the aesthetic of the campus, but you should also feel safe. You need to make the decision about which college campus that makes you feel safe and comfortable, because it’s no fun to constantly be looking over your shoulder.

Once you have made your decision, it’s time to start thinking about the big move!

Packing! It’s Time To Move

Organization is key! Coming from someone who waits until the last minute to do anything, as well as someone who pulls apart their whole closet to find an outfit for the day, trust me, it is better to keep an organized space. This will save you a lot of time.

A good place to start is with the basics. Dedicate one bag, or maybe two if you’re like me, to clothes and shoes. Remember to pack for all weather and situations. It is always better to be prepared than to be wishing you had packed something. However, be careful not to pack your whole closet, as most dorm rooms don’t offer much space. Try to keep your packing to the necessities, and for clothes that may be out of season, you can store them in a tote until they are needed. Shoes follow the same rules.

Personal items are important to remember as well. Try to buy in bulk when shopping for toiletries and other personal items. Pretend you are preparing for the apocalypse. Any extras can be stored under beds or in baskets until they are needed. I know it sounds crazy to buy so much, but when you don’t have to shop for it during the school year, you will appreciate the idea. I’m still using supplies I bought before freshman year, and I’m a second semester sophomore.

Lastly, bring the college essentials. Sheets, bedding, dishes, shower shoes, etc. Most schools will provide a list of things that may be of use when dorming. You can also check the websites to see what items are not allowed in the rooms, that way you don’t waste any precious space. Checking these lists is beneficial because they can help keep your packing organized. Any dorm essentials can be packed in their own bag, and will probably take up the most space.

One last bit of advice for your packing, and this probably sounds pretty obvious, but make a list. Before you even open your first suitcase, either write or type out a rough list of everything you think you need. Then run that list by your parents, grandparents, older siblings, friends, really anyone you can think of. Preface this with saying that they can add anything they can possibly think of that you may need or cross out things that they recommend leaving behind. Once everyone has gotten a chance to look at the list and make any changes, sort each item by the aforementioned categories. Finally, tackle one section at a time until every item has been packed. This way you don’t have to wonder if you might have missed something.

Saying Goodbye

Unfortunately, moving out-of-state can seem like you are closing the book on your old life. It can be hard to accept that everything continues to move on, even after you leave. Dynamics change, people change, and when you return, you will have changed. It would be a lie to say that things won’t be different, but different isn’t always a bad thing. Learning how to navigate school life and a newer home life can be fun if you let it!

When it is time for you to pack up the car and begin the move, saying goodbye can be hard. Just remember, this isn’t permanent, and it too shall pass. You will have the chance to go back home during breaks, and it can be so much fun to reconnect with your friends and family.

Extra Tips and Tricks

Now that you have a general idea of what going to college out-of-state entails, let’s go over some extras.

• Meet as many people as you can. Even if these people do not end up being your best friend, it is very helpful to have a network on campus. Facebook is a great start.
• Be nice to public safety on campus. If something bad ever happens, it is nice to be on their good side. A simple smile and wave works wonders.
• Before classes start, walk around the campus and make sure you can find your classrooms. This takes some stress off of your plate on the first day.
• Have Fun! This isn’t supposed to be hard, and you only get out what you put in, so make the most of it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Going to College Out of State