Coming from New York, it was definitely nervewracking to come to Cabrini. To this day, I still remember all of the mixed emotions that I felt during the three and a half hour drive to campus. Ultimately, I am absolutely happy that I decided to take the risk of going to school out of state.
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Homesickness is definitely a thing
Homesickness is 100% natural and normal for anyone living on campus. This was definitely really rough for me. It was so hard going from seeing your family and friends each and every day to living on your own. I remember some of the times when I really just didn't want to get out of bed and be social, but, you have to be PROACTIVE! Cabrini offers many resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services and plans many events on campus to meet new people which you should absolutely take advantage of!
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Keep in contact with family and friends
One of the most important things I’ve learned… the hard way. These people should automatically be your “go to’s” when the going gets tough. I have definitely gotten overwhelmed with work and have forgotten to call and text them, but, I definitely recommend clearing your schedule to at least have a 5-10 minute conversation to let them know that you’re safe and doing alright. Your family may be just as overwhelmed as you are or worse.
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It takes some growing up
Growing up, I have always had my own bedroom. All of my siblings were old enough to live on their own and have their own families, so, I have always had my own space. Living on campus my first semester was definitely hard learning how to share half a room with my roommate. Learning that your roommate may have a different sleep schedule than you and not having much alone time was an adjustment. As someone who has lived through it, I can guarantee that it gets easier and better as time goes by.
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You’re not the only one
If you think that you’re the only one feeling homesick, I recommend talking to people. I can guarantee that others are feeling the same way. Some people worse than others, but you’re not the only one. Make friends!
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Megabus!!!
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to get home I would definitely recommend Megabus. You can get really cheap bus tickets to go to major cities. I would definitely recommend buying discounted train tickets from the SEaL office for $5. Take the train from Radnor to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and the Megabus stop is right across the street. It takes me right into New York City and you can always find fellow students from other schools taking the bus because it is one of the cheapest alternatives to Amtrak and Greyhound.
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Breaks go by way too fast
While you may be excited to finally go home for Thanksgiving, those few days will go by super quick. You will definitely feel that it wasn’t long enough.
- Having an off-campus job might not be worth it
From working at the mall I have learned that supervisors/managers don’t care how far you live. They want you to work no matter what. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or summer break, they will put you on the schedule. I would recommend looking into on-campus jobs before off campus.
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Rent a storage unit
If you have a lot of stuff in your dorm, I would suggest getting a storage unit for the summer breaks. While this is completely optional and costs extra, it definitely helps. It does not have to be attractive but as long as it gets the job done, you should go for the cheapest option that is closest to the school.
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It’s a small world after all
Coming from New York was definitely different going to a school that dominantly focuses on recruiting students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. I thought I was the only one, but, I ended up meeting more people from New York than I thought I would as time went by. Even my roommate from freshman year was from New York. When you meet people from the same area as you, make friends. You guys can relate to things that people from other states may not.
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Explore!!!
With Cabrini being only a half hour train ride from Center City, Philadelphia, plan out a few days to explore the city. The SEaL office also offers opportunities to explore Pennsylvania as well. A few trips that I have attended were to Reading Terminal Market, Longwood Gardens, and Hershey Park. There are also so many other trips that they offer throughout the school year and they will be listed on the monthly activities calendar posted around campus.