Going to school out of state was a must for me when applying to college. I love my home state of Pennsylvania, I really do, but it was time to experience something new. Moving to Athens, there were a lot of adjustments I needed to make, so for the first Sassy Cassie of my senior year, I figured I would share some things that helped me adjust to life in Ohio as an out-of-state student.
Before move-in day begins, make sure to pack everything you need. From basic college essentials to legal documents. If you want a job while in college, you need I-9 documents for authorization to work. While packing, be sure to transfer any medication to a pharmacy nearby, and check with your healthcare provider if your coverage will still work. Also, schedule any doctor's appointments before you leave, so your parents don’t nag you about them when you come home.
Moving on to move-in day, if you are an out-of-state student, seriously consider signing up for early move-in. At Ohio University, early move-in starts on August 16 and costs $125, but if you sign up for the Bobcat Move-in crew, the cost gets waived. With early move-in, students have more time and space to get organized, get to know the campus a bit better and get comfortable in the dorm. This is good for an out-of-state student because most do not have the opportunity to visit campus more than twice, if that, before coming for the fall semester. So, one can explore more of the campus and Athens if they move in early. You can take these few days and try some of the restaurants like Ginger or Star of India, and figure out where all your classes are or even start looking for a job.
So now that you have moved in and have everything you need, the next step is to adjust to Ohio. The scenery in Athens is great; however, if you are coming from a big city, be prepared to possibly be hit with allergies. There are trees everywhere on campus, and pollen is just floating around. Make sure you purchase allergy medicine sometime within the first week, so you don’t end up like me, sick for three weeks and thinking you are dying when you just have allergies.
For the first weekend when everyone is on campus, going to a big state school like Ohio University, a lot of people know each other from high school or have some connection to one another. Do not be afraid to go up to people and introduce yourself; established cliques are not a thing in college. The first weekend, there is also the involvement fair, which is a great time to join organizations and clubs, which are great for meeting new people and making friends. Although you will meet lots of new faces at the involvement fair and during the first few weeks, homesickness may still creep in, and that’s okay.
Homesickness is “the feeling of being unhappy because of being away from home for a long period.” Being from out of state, you may not get the chance to go home as often as in-state students. I know for me, I only go home during longer breaks like Thanksgiving and winter break. So, make the most of your time at home when you get it, see high school friends and go to your favorite spots in your hometown. But while you are away at school, try to bring a part of your home with you. Taking decorations from your home bedroom and calling friends and family from home weekly can help combat any homesickness. Check out my column from last year about how to adjust to dorm life.
Going to school far away from home can be scary, not knowing anyone or very limited people is terrifying. But once you find your own community at OU, Athens will start to feel like home as well.
Cassie is a senior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
