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how are you dealing with being away from home? I'm just curious to get opinions incase I decide to do this. I know it depends on the person, but getting the pros & cons might give me some insight.

By Anovice (Anovice) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 08:27 pm: Edit

When you think about it living three hours away (in state) or living six hours away (out of) if you are going to go home, it is going to be a haul. My friends all left, some very far away(other coast and overseas), and all say the same thing: even if they were 30min away, there isn't enough time to come home every weekend.

By Annieivy (Annieivy) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 09:44 pm: Edit

It would be a shame not to use your college years to see another part of the world. You can always go home, but the longer you stay in one place the less likely you are to ever leave.

By Musicmom (Musicmom) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 02:14 am: Edit

I agree with anovice. Our son is only 75 minutes away but doesn't come home on weekends. We're pleased that he doesn't. There is so much more to college than just the classes during the week. He is immersed in stuff on campus and studying (we think!) and it would just be a huge time waster to return home on WEs. All his friends are away also. We miss him but know it's a good sign he's too busy for us now!

By Alexandre (Alexandre) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 03:14 am: Edit

Shannon, not only did I leave the state, I left my continent! I moved from the Middle East to the Midwest (7,264 miles from home)!!! LOL

Homesickness and culture shock are obviously big, but they are also fun since you have to face those two sooner or later. Otherwise, I think going to a new area only enhances your experience and makes you grow up a lot quicker. So, if you get a chance to move out of state, go for it.

By Flopsy (Flopsy) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 07:30 am: Edit

I'm studying away from my home country, and I'm coping with it well because I'm always staying in contact with my parents via e-mail. Although I only go home over the Christmas holiday season, I get rather tired of sitting idlely at home for more than one week so it's all good being out of state.

By Alongfortheride (Alongfortheride) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:12 am: Edit

Shannon05, a parent here. I went in state, but I see is more as a function of distance than crossing state lines. I went in state, 2 1/2 hrs. away. However, my kids could cross the state line and go to school in less time, or in our huge state could drive 10 1/2 hrs. and still be in state. My son is 8 1/2 hrs. away in another state and loving it.

By Catherdingmom (Catherdingmom) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:02 am: Edit

Shannon, one thing I would suggest is to check if the college you are considering has activity going on during the weekend. It's my guess that a student would be less likely to get homesick at a college where a lot of students stay during the weekend versus one that becomes a suitcase college on the weekends.

By Ellemenope (Ellemenope) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 12:24 pm: Edit

My D is a freshman who has gone across the country to school. She says that she only gets homesick when she hears our voices (that could explain why she's only called ONCE).

She's written one long email and no letters.

But we do IM, which I really like. She's often at her dorm room at noon, when I go on the computer at 9 am. She'll just pop up and say hello--we "talk" about what's going on, a little motherly advice gets given, we get to ask questions of each other (like "How do I void a check?" "WHY?!!" I ask). I try to keep it to less than 10 minutes so that she can go on her way. But it is almost like having her at home (wihtout the messy room)! I think it keeps her from being homesick to have the quick but daily contact.

I also try to send her little tidbits in the mail, at least once a week, maybe more--something about the high school or town, a little article, a comic from the paper. Nothing she has to respond to. She says every kid likes to get mail.

Little things like that can help you be away from home, partake of the college experience yet not feel completely cut off from your family. So far, my D is enjoying it.

Good luck in your decision.

By Shannon05 (Shannon05) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 05:59 pm: Edit

wow interesting stories, thanks for the replies everyone. I'm pretty confident about going out of state, and after reading these stories i feel even more confident. Keep the stories coming and more pro's and cons if you have them!

By Crazyandy (Crazyandy) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 05:16 pm: Edit

I'm 7 hours away from my home in NE Ohio. I go to virginia tech. I've never been away from home before this and lets just say i had trouble spending the night at friends houses when I was younger. But I was plenty occupied so I haven't been homesick one bit. I talk to my parents on the phone once a week and online practically everyday so its not like I'm away from them totally. I enjoy being away but remember, being away is NOT for everyone, but I highly recommend it. I survived