Hey!

I'm going to summer school (university) across the country, away from all my friends and family (and my cat!). I'm panicked because I've never been gone longer than a month from every, this is about 3 months. I'm gonna be at a dorm with strangers. If something was to happen, my friends/family is 3 days drive away. I don't have my cat to hug on at night after a bad day!

I'm not worried about doing things on my own, I'm in my mid 20s and I know how to take care of myself. I'm more worried about just being away from everyone. I'm full of anxiety and wanna know how you people coped leaving your loved ones SO far away? ._.

I did a semester in another country during college and I definitely understand feeling anxious. But it's such a good opportunity to do something different and definitely worth it :)

I used skype a lot and was able to stay in touch pretty well with people. I took my laptop around campus with me while video chatting to show people around. My roommates also liked meeting each others' families via skype so that was a nice way to bring everyone together. I had a lot of fun random chats with my roommates' friends from home.

I don't know what your program will be like but if the other students are from different places too then you'll have that in common and it's interesting to talk about home life with people from different backgrounds. One time a bunch of us showed each other our houses/hometowns on google maps (like satellite and street view) which was super fun. We were all a little homesick and happy to share.

I also tried to trust that everyone at home was okay and I didn't have to worry about them. Which wasn't always easy. I put photos around my room and brought a sweatshirt that belonged to my boyfriend so I could wear it and feel like I was getting a hug :)

And even if 3 months seems like a crazy long time, it really isn't in the grand scheme of things. It will probably go faster once you're in it.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the reassurances. I'm hoping I get along with my roomates like you did.

We're all going to be in the same situation, but I'm thinking I may be from the farthest away. sighes I keep telling myself its a great experience, but its so scary.. Life starts when you step out of your comfort zone...

You're very right, we do have to do scary things sometimes :)

Funnily enough I'm usually terrible with roommates, but knowing that it was only for a limited amount of time and then I would never have to see them again helped a lot...

I moved 3,000 miles away from my family and friends to start a new job. It was very hard at first because I knew no one on this side of the country and had to do everything alone for a while. It took time getting used to it but I soon made friends and I could still talk with my family and old friends through Skype and by phone.

Just know that it's not forever. 3 months will go by faster than you know it. Just think of this as an opportunity to make new friends and new memories . Continue to do the hobbies you like and you'll meet new people to help make you feel welcome.