I am going to fly, by myself, as a freshman, to other side of country...I'm scared

[hanselparent]

I would like to take public transit to save money,but I just have so much luggage (I only plan to bring a carry on, because I could not carry stuff alone). Is there a way to find a travel partner? I am so stressed out!

[Kajon]

What school are you heading to and at what airport will you be landing?

[911C2S]

Have you joined your school's Facebook group? That would probably be a better place for you to find someone to travel with.

[911C2S]

Also, I would talk to your school and explain how you're traveling. Perhaps they can provide some assistance. At the very least, ask about shipping luggage, bedding, etc. ahead of time so that you have less to travel with and shop for once you're there.

[Hunt]

If you tell us where you're going, there are people here who can give you concrete suggestions. If your school is not too far from the airport, just take a taxi. You can check a bag in addition to your carryon then.

[blossom]

Did you check the website of the airport you are going to? That usually lists the 4-5 most efficient and cheapest ways of getting to various destinations after arrival.

[Vot123]

I second the suggestion of you joining the Facebook site of your school. Plus, they may have a group specifically for your particular class of "2016". Post your questions there. My D's college's Facebook page had those kind of things all the time, including folks seeking to share a cab from the airport to the campus, wondering where the nearest bank, drugstore, Target, etc. is.

It would help if you posted at least which city you are flying into if you want advice here. Strategies (safety or otherwise) may differ for different locations.

[hanselparent]

I am flying into philadelphia

[kleibo]

yes join the facebook group - you may be able to hook up with another flying in about the same time as you.

See if you can send packages early to your college - many colleges allow that. Then send as much as you can ahead of time.

You can arrange the transportation ahead of time. Try using a shuttle service - they are very convenient and usually cheaper than a cab.

Again - where are you flying out of and into and what college are you attending.

[reeinaz]

I live in Philly. You can pm me if you want and I'll try to tell you the best way. Transportation from the airport is easy and safe.

[PolarBearVsShark]

curle -- Many schools have a "travel board" for rideshare or companionship. Call your school like 911 suggested and also see if they can find you someone headed along your trajectory.

[dadinator]

If you are going to Penn, Drexel, Temple, Villanova, Swarthmore, Haverford, or Bryn Mawr (the first ones that came to mind) - this is your first time doing this alone, so just take a cab. It is worth it for your piece of mind. It won't cost too much for any of these schools.

[hanselparent]

thanks everyone! I will def call the school to see if they have a travel board thing

[Kajon]

Once you arrive on campus there will be signs for everything from room keys to ID cards, so please don't stress about that.

Find out from your school if they do a Target run for the students on move in day. If there is a Bed Bath and Beyond near your school, you can order all your bedding online and pick it up in Philly.

[Vot123]

Ah, Philly. You will not be alone in needing to set yourself up from scratch. The city and its environs are literally crawling with college students form Penn, Drexel, Temple, Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Villenova, and La Salle to name but a few. And a not-insignificant number of them will also be from out of town.