So I’m an only child about to head off to college (finally!), and in the process I’m leaving my mother (who I’m very close to), my father, and my grandmother.
I understand that the guideline is to call home once a week and email frequently, however my grandmother understands very little English and thrives on the telephone. She calls her friends across the world at least three times a week, and sometimes she implements her socialization on my mother (which is not always pleasant). Also, I’m heading to Chicago, which is one of her favorite cities and she cannot stop raving about it. Should I call her more frequently? Does anyone else have experience with this sort of thing?
Call your family when you want to, but if you’re not a frequent caller, I’d say once a week to see how life is going.
I talk to my mom daily, mainly through texting and talk on the phone at least weekly. I didn’t plan much.
Yeah, there’s no “rule” on how much to call. I’m now out of college, and I call my mom 3 or 4 times a week just to chat for a few minutes. Whatever works for you and your family
It all really depends on how close you are to the person. I personally called home every day. I spoke to my mom,dad and sibling for a collective of 5-10 minutes to let them know that I got through the day in one piece. I talk for longer on the weekends. Most of my friends texted their parents/siblings regularly (like everyday/every other day) and called once a week. It’s all really up to you.
I know people at college who talk to family 3-5 times a week easily and it’s not a big deal at all. A week is probably average, but more is by all means fine.
I call/answer my phone about once or twice a week from each parent, but I email my dad whenever something happens. If I ever need professional advice (if I’ve potentially made a big mistake), I call my dad right away.
I wish I made the time to call my grandmother more; she passed away back in November. Personally, I think you should take extra time out of your day to call her, especially since she likes Chicago. Whenever you do something fun in the city, either while you’re eating (when I make most of my personal calls), walking to class, etc. try to make time for a quick phone call.
I have friends whose kids call every day or multiple times a day.
Others whose kids call once a week at a prearranged time.
My kids call randomly whenever it’s convenient (or they’re walking somewhere and are bored).
Whatever works for you and your family…no right or wrong approach.
I don’t call my parents because I don’t like talking on the phone, but I go home every weekend because my school isn’t far away. It depends on you and your family, and you shouldn’t feel bad about anything that seems normal. I would recommend that you call home as often as you want, and maybe a little more. 
Staying close to your family will not prevent you from gaining independence.
I think if you and the other party want to chat more, then as frequent as you want is fine.
However, if you DON’T really want to chat that much, then weekly is an acceptable frequency.
Sounds like you need to introduce grandma to texting and Instagram. Call home at whatever frequency feels right for you. College schedules are weird anyway so if your parents need more contact, then seriously texting/Instagram/Facebook should be enough to let them know you’re out and about and doing ok.
I’ve told my daughter that I’d love to talk to her often, but I’d rather she be out having fun with friends than talking to her boring old parents. I’m ok with a call once a month so long as I know she’s doing well and has an active social life; college is about the student, not the parents, so do what feels right for you.
Call as often as you like!
For me, I talked to my parents and grandparents virtually everyday when I had some down time. Since my family is incredibly close, it felt natural to talk to them everyday and didn’t feel like a burden at all. One thing you should remember is that it’s absolutely alright if you miss a day of talking to them. Like someone else said, maybe it’s time that you did introduce your grandmother to social media and other means of communication. Although she uses the phone, you could perhaps show her how to Facetime or Skype. Since it’s her favorite city, you could send her pictures, souvenirs, and other things that she could cherish. Just remember family is import and that you only get one family. From personal experience I could tell you that your parents, grandparents, or other family members would appreciate an unexpected call out of the blue…
P.S.
Although texting is pretty neat and all, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned, conversation over the phone.
Our adult child calls us twice per day. We don’t have long conversations. Just checking on each other.
It depends how busy you are but as a baseline 2x per week is pretty standard.