I’m currently at a large school in NY. I thought that I would like it because it was close to home, but now I’ve found that that might actually be my biggest problem. It’s too easy for me to go home, and it’s causing me problems. I feel like I’m missing out when I go home, because people go partying and do things on Saturday nights. However, I really dislike the area my school is in, and being here on the weekends honestly makes me feel depressed (it’s in an inner city ghetto). I went to a small, cliquey High School, where I didn’t make many friends at all, and so making friends and being more social is a large priority for me in college. I feel like if I transferred to a school that was further from home, I would be forced to stay there and make more friends. Anyone have any advice?
If you want to stay and make friends, just stay. It’s really as simple as that. It sounds like you want to, but you’d prefer to go home. If that’s the case, moving away might backfire and have you more homesick. Why don’t you, say, commit to staying one weekend a month, and work up to staying full time. Go out on that weekend, stay out of your room where you’ll be tempted to call home, etc.
Ask your parents to only let you come home one weekend per month. When you’re in your dorm, try leaving your door open. People will often just walk in and say “hi”. I don’t think transferring is the solution- you seem like someone who would suffer from major homesickness in that scenario.
Definitely prioritize certain social activities over going home if “missing out” is what you fear.
If going home is becoming a problem, then don’t go home. I don’t think transferring will solve the problem. If you feel like you’re missing out on things when you go home, why don’t you stay a weekend and get involved with what you feel like you are missing.
I agree…use this semester to try to make friends where you are. Start the new semester not going home at all the first month…if you need an excuse say you have a project or a test or something.