By: Jessica Malley
It can be difficult transitioning into college for any student, but there are certain challenges out-of-state students face. I am a sophomore from Massachusetts and know all about what it is like to travel to a school far from home without knowing anyone my age. These are some tips I found beneficial.
Tip #1: Plan Flights Early
Flights can get expensive. To get ahead, be sure to look at flight options as soon as you know your schedule for the semester/year. Once you know your class schedule, you can look at the dates for Ohio State’s break periods (Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, etc). Unfortunately, any flight around
Thanksgiving is expensive, so it is crucial to book that flight as soon as possible. Sometimes, booking flights early in the morning or on an “off day” (for example, going back to school on a Saturday instead of a Sunday) can save a lot. You want to avoid having to switch your flight, so double-check that you got your schedule correct. For winter break, you can find the finals for each class either posted on the class’s page or in the syllabus.
Book flights for winter break a couple of months in advance as well. Forgotten by most students, Ohio State offers a free airport shuttle to CMH! This is something to take advantage of, as Ride Share options can be quite expensive. These buses runeak times (usually from 6 AM to 6 PM) and leave on the hour. As long as it lines up with your schedule, the buses leave from the Union and are a great option for free transportation.
Tip #2: Pack Light
Whether you decide to make the drive or fly, it is easier to pack light for move-in day. I found that buying most things on campus such as: storage, toiletries, and any decorations can make the moving process much smoother. This way, you avoid having a packed car for a long trip or checking more bags than needed. Another useful option is to order things for pickup at a local Target or store nearby if you are worried they won’t be in stock when you arrive. At the end of the year, If you do not plan on driving home, or even if you do, I highly recommend putting your belongings in a storage unit. Especially at Ohio State, this is a widely used resource and there are many companies to choose from. Some companies pick up your belongings right at your dorm or house and drop them off for you when you’re back at school. It is very easy and well worth it!
Tip #3: Visit Friends
Occasionally, students will get a long weekend during the semester. If you’re too far from home but still want that hometown comfort, try visiting a friend’s hometown! Most people would be more than happy to have you for a weekend or show you around their town. This is also a great opportunity to see some other cities and parts of the country.
Tip #4: Reach Out to Older Students
I only knew one older student attending Ohio State before I came, but it is extremely helpful having someone you can ask questions to. Even if it is someone you do not know well, I guarantee they would love to help and show you around. It can be confusing filling out housing forms, learning about the meal plan, and moving to a new place and school is intimidating. Do not be afraid to reach out to people! They were once in the same shoes as you are!
Tip #5: Get Involved
I find that when I am missing home or friends, it is usually because I have nothing to do or nothing going on. The best way to fix this is to get involved. It’s okay to miss home at times, but you will have more to look forward to if you join clubs, play intramural sports, or even get an on-campus job. There is no harm in trying different things because you never know what you will like. It is also a great way to meet new people!
It can be difficult being an out-of-state student coming to such a big university. My goal is for at least one of these tips to help someone out to, hopefully, make adjusting to college a little bit easier!