Moving/Long Term Decisions

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Most people have moved at least once in their life—whether it was in grade school, going to a college far from home, or moving for a job after college. I moved from Hawaii to Connecticut when I was five, from Connecticut to California for my senior year of high school, from California to Boston for college, and I just made the decision to move back to California after I graduate. Moving right before my senior year and then again for college were both extremely tough. Initially, I struggled a lot—more than I anticipated I would. There’s no denying moving to a new place can be lonely, overwhelming, and filled with uncertainty. Throughout these moves, though, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons. For those Bentley students who are considering moving to a new city after graduation, here are a few things you need to know.

First, you’re going to be homesick for at least a few weeks. Whether it’s homesick for your friends from college or your family, there’s almost no getting around it. While it does get easier after a while, it’s important to stay connected with those who are guaranteed to make you happy. No matter how far away someone is, it’s easy to FaceTime anyone when you’re feeling lonely. Some of your relationships from home are going to fade or seem like they’re getting weaker because you aren’t seeing old friends in person, but this isn’t necessarily true. Moving away from friends can actually be validation of how strong a friendship is—even if I don’t talk to my old friends that often, I somehow still find that I’m completely comfortable reaching out to them. And when I do, it’s like nothing has changed.

Next, one of the most important things I did both times I moved was get involved. When I moved to California, I joined the cross country team, and when I came to college, I got involved with the Women’s Center. It’s a little harder when you’re out on your own in an unfamiliar city, but there’s always ways to meet new people—for example, I know a lot of people have had success meeting people through fitness classes or running groups. This might also be a good opportunity to pick up a new hobby and meet people through that.

Making your new home actually feel like home is another part of the process. Whenever my roommate and I move in every year, the thing we’re most eager about is decorating. There’s always a sense of urgency and excitement in putting up pictures and posters the first night in an attempt to make an unfamiliar place feel a little more comfortable. I know this is one of the things that I’m most excited about when I graduate college—it seems like something small to get excited about, but there’s something special about making a place your own and somewhere you feel completely comfortable in.

Up until now, you’ve developed a routine with consistency in both daily activities and the people you surround yourself with. But, there’s excitement in forming a new schedule in your new environment, and it leaves room for the unexpected. Especially if you’re someone who is over-reliant on a set routine, this is a good thing.

I know plenty people who are trying to decide where they want to live after school, and most of the time, they’re stuck between staying at home or moving to a new city. Taking risks is scary, but almost always worth the initial anxiety. Change can be overwhelming, but essential.

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