<p>mitchellheckman, my daughter is a freshman at NU and is extremely far from home. Of course it’s hard to have her so far away, but like you, she fell in love with NU during her first visit there more than three years ago. I was sceptical about her certainty, but it held up through an intense summer program at NU after her junior year. The more we learned about the school, the more it seemed she was making an excellent choice. After a great deal of research we allowed her to apply ED, and have never regretted that decision. </p>
<p>I agree with everything liland said before, especially that the students at NU are “intelligent and caring, yet not pretentious or smug.” I am extremely impressed with them, and with many other aspects of the school. I honestly can’t think of any other school I would prefer for her now. NU might not be the right place for everybody, but it is for her and she knew it from the start.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I can understand your parents’ reluctance to let you go. Due to our location, I have long known my daughter would go away to college and worried about the distance. Like liland, NU has made it much easier for me to let go than I thought it would be. It’s hard to mope about our empty nest when our child is fortunate enough to be exactly where she needs to be. </p>
<p>Whether you go to Evanston, or stay home, it’s your life, and as you start taking responsiblity for your adult decisions, your parents will have to step aside and let you do that. However, if they can see that you understand their concerns, maybe it will be easier for them. Really take the time to talk with them about their concerns and feelings. Reassure them in meaningful ways, and show them that you understand how to take care of yourself. This will be a massive transition for them as well as for you, so let them know you look forward to being in touch even when you’re gone.</p>
<p>Do you have a family cell phone plan with unlimited calling between family phones? That helps a lot. Also, my daughter and I started IM’ing occasionally even before she left. It was a little silly to be in two different rooms in the same house talking over the Internet, but it was nice to establish something we both knew we would still have when she was gone. </p>
<p>Let me know if I can answer any questions for you or your parents. Good luck!</p>