Well Hubski, it's finally time. I leave tomorrow for the long trek to Ohio. I'm scared about leaving my family behind here in Texas, but at the same time I'm excited for all of the new experiences that await me at college. I've been procrastinating packing for the last month because I've been seriously scared about going so far away; I don't want to leave everything that I already know. Almost all of my friends are going to schools in Texas (specifically Baylor and UT), but I'm going to be all alone. At the same time, I know I should cherish this opportunity to go out and make new friends and discover new things. I'm a pretty social person, so this isn't something I'm scared about, and OSU is so big that I know there will be people that share the same interests as me, but I'm still nervous. I'm gonna miss my dad, my sisters, and my brother. I already miss my girlfriend, and she only left yesterday. I'm conflicted though. Everyone asks me if I'm excited and I tell them yes because, well, I am, yet I'm also sad. There have been so many emotions going through my head these past weeks that I've started being unable to make heads or tails of them. I guess I'll just have to make the best out of any situation I find myself. If any of you have any advice for someone leaving their family for the first time please tell me. Tomorrow's going to be hard.
I spent my master's degree in Ohio, in between Cleveland and Columbus. It's nice there, and I've got some tips. 1.) make your way up to Cleveland at least once, and make your way to Cincinnati at least once. Both are amazing places with lots to do, and It's great to explore Ohio. 1a.) if you're driving, buy snow tires. they're worth their weight, especially if you're from a place where it doesn't snow often. 2.) Cuyahoga Falls State Park is fucking gorgeous. go in the fall. 3.) When you're old enough to drink legally, go to Hofbrauhaus in Cinci. Enjoy the beer and the Schnitzel, as well as the beer hall atmosphere. Play along, dance on the benches. In regards to Uni in general; 4.) Say YES. Go on trips, try weird foods, participate in things. 5.) bring your study notes into the bathroom. read them instead of your phone. 6.) do your work daily. Keeping up is WAY easier than Catching up. It also means that you have more time to do more things, and will be less stressed about missing things when you do. 7.) GO TO YOUR PROF'S OFFICE HOURS. for the love of all that's holy. If your profs know you, and see that you're engaged, they will be significantly more invested in you and your future.
Don't worry about leaving your high school friends. I did the same thing -- was the only one from my high school to go to the college I did. You'll make tons of awesome friends in college. Whether you keep up with your high school friends or only hang out with them once every year or two, it'll be okay. You might even find you have less and less in common with them as time goes by, and that's okay too. Going away to college is a big life change, and it'll feel like you're leaving a part of yourself behind. But you'll pick up new pieces to add to yourself and life goes on. Damn this is hitting me right in the feels. I just moved away for grad school and I'm feeling a lot of what you're feeling right now.
Formerly_Me, caeli is right, what you are feeling is pretty normal given what you're about to embark upon. I'm a bit envious, its a simultaneously terrifying and exciting experience and that can be a pretty kick ass combination. Good luck. Also, I look forward to Michigan kicking OSU's ass this year in football :) Man, I can't stand OSU, but then I grew up in Ann Arbor. It's actually a fine school, I'm sure. Have fun there! Winters are going to be a new thing for you. Brace yourself.