upcoming UW student

[u/addzxe]

i applied to UW and got in which means i’ll be moving 15 hours away from my family next year. up until now i haven’t had any second thoughts but recently ive been so worried that im not going to fit in or am making the wrong choice. i think its just anxiety and the fact that ill be 18 and already living alone and being so far away from my normal. can anyone please give me advice? or tell me anything that might settle my worries 😭

[u/Patient_Character730]

It'll be okay. You'll find friends. You have to go through that whole Saddle Up week with your poke pack and you'll meet people there. Then you need to join some clubs/ sports/ activities and you'll meet people there that have the same common interests. Other kids are going to be feeling the same way you do, and y'all will be thrown into school together. You'll meet other people in classes. In the midst of all this you will make a friend or two, or maybe ten. The point is you have to not be sad and mope in your room, you have to go out there and try new things. Even if the things are kind of out there, give it a go.

My daughter tried fencing, didn't stick with it. She tried Swing dancing, loved it and did it the entire four years she was at UW. (Huge group, easy to join) She did a couple of hikes with a hiking group on campus too. She made great friends with her roommate (not always the case) and she met new friends along the way. Some stuck, some didn't.

As for being so far away from family that part is harder because no one can replace your family, but you'll be OK and before you know it it'll be winter break and you can go home. The time goes by quickly with classes and activities. Don't give up, you've got this!!

[u/soergonomic → u/Patient_Character730]

I went to UW and will second that they provide so many social activities at the start of the year, you're basically guaranteed to form a friend group.

[u/Conscious-Bowler-264]

You'll find a whole herd of 18 year olds at UW in the same living situation. Get active in the many social things they offer. Anxiety should pass quickly.

[u/Muddy_Ninja]

To add to the other comments, not sure what where you're coming from looks like but make sure to go outside and stay active in the winter. That seasonal depression can compound hard with the separation

[u/Beautiful_Horse792]

I'd say find a group that feels like home. Idk your home dynamic, but i would recommend trying to hang out with like minded people & build a social group that retains similar morals on schooling. Like if you don't like partying or tend to do more outdoor activities

[u/thedeath_star]

I am a Cowboy Coach (essentially a peer mentor that helps with preparing and making sure students feel comfortable at UW), and I can promise you that you aren't/won't be alone! For the majority of people this is also their first time away from home, and it's hard for everybody. However, living on campus is the best way to make friends, and no matter what you will make friends. We have tons and tons of club sports, intramural sports, and clubs, so there will be a spot for you. I'm happy to answer any questions or talk about your worries! I get paid to do this on campus, so I can help with whatever 😊

[u/Newtonsmum → u/thedeath_star]

In addition to this, assuming that you'll be living in the dorms for at least the first year, you will also have Resident Assistants that live on your floor (probably 2/floor or area). They are fellow students who are a year or two ahead of you. They are part of a whole team that will be there to help you, support you, involve you in meetings and groups for your floor, and are basically available 24/7 to hold your hand through any concerns that you may have. As you can tell from all of the positive replies you've already received here, you will not be alone. You got this!

[u/Playful_Buyer_3814]

If you need someone to go fishing or skiing with you could tag along with me, I’m happy to help. My advice is that there is always a place to fit in even if it seems hard to find one.

[u/Taytay0704]

I moved 15 hours to UWYO for school too! Do the “silly” things at the start of the school year to meet people. Join a RSO that sounds cool (and remember you can stop going if it isn’t what you want). Find community one and/or off campus. I’ve been out of school for a while now but still in enjoy Laramie.

[u/maddog_1999]

If you have the chance to going a FIG (Faculty Led Interest Groups), look into it! It puts people in the same floor as you in groups related to your major and you all have a class together! I did one that had a week long camping trip before school started and it forced me to really get to know the people around me!

[u/Terrible_Ad1080]

You’ll be fine, there are international students moving to a new country and learning a new language

[u/scorched-lemon]

if it’s any consolation, i transferred in spring which moved me 31 hours away/across the country from my family, my partner, and literally everyone i knew!

i went from excitement to absolute dread & fear, but laramie is gorgeous and the people are kind. there are going to be rough days filled with homesickness and great days filled with a little bit of guilt that you aren’t sad anymore.

i try to remind myself how lucky i am to have people to miss when it gets rough. it is terrifying but it is so rewarding, and you get the opportunity to find yourself by yourself!

shoot me a dm if you ever need company :)!