Nervous about moving to a new state not knowing anyone

[Dammke1118]

Who else is scared?! I get these panic attacks because I am moving 5 hours away not knowing anyone...Help!! any advice from those who have done this before?

 

 

 

[anslpaday]

I've lived abroad for extended periods, as well as moved around a bit. The biggest lesson I've learned is that you can find good people anywhere.

 

If you are friendly, interested, and open, you'll make friends. It's likely there are a lot of people who feel the same way in your classes at school!

 

Connect with people in your SLP class through facebook before you arrive. Whether it's through a church, an awesome craigslist roommate, or instagram (yes, weirdly enough I have made friends through instagram), you can even try to find some people outside of the SLP grad student circle. Invite them over for dinner. Ask them to show you around your new city.

 

Don't be afraid of feeling a bit down, feeling lonely, or having long saturdays alone. Keep in touch with your friends back home, and getting grounded in your new city will come with time.

 

It's an adventure!

[SpeechieAsh]

Right after I graduated from my undergrad, I got a great job as an SLPA in Austin, TX (I'm from CO) and I picked up and moved. I didn't know anyone. It was really scary and it was super hard at times, but making a big change like that can be so exciting too. Just be open-minded and make an extra effort to put yourself out there. I'm sure you'll connect with the people in your grad class and you'll be spending a lot of time with them-- kinda like a built-in group of friends waiting for you! Just remember that it might be hard for a while, but you'll get used to it and you'll do great!!

[Michelle_Mabelle]

It's totally understandable to be frightened, but you'll be fine. Just keep an open mind. I moved from NJ to California leaving all my friends behind and it terrified me at first, but I adjusted. You have the benefit of being a future member of a small group of people all interested in the same goal as you are. It's going to be such a great experience for you! 

[4343432434]

I feel the same way Dammke1118! I have literally been having mini panic attacks at the thought of being so far from friends and family for 2 years...I'm most likely moving from NY to Cali for grad school. While I studied abroad across the world alone and had the best experience ever and made amazing friends.. it is a scary thought at first! This is reassuring to read, and to know others feel the same

[ell012]

Don't stress- it's going to be ok! I moved 1,000 miles away from my friends and family to go to undergrad, and now I'm 2,000 miles away from my family. Just remember it's an adventure, and it doesn't have to be permanent. 2 years is all you have to commit, and then you can look into getting closer to home. You may be surprised how much you love it though! I definitely had homesick moments my first year away, but then I got to know the place I moved and it started to feel more like "home" to me. Like everyone else is saying- your grad program comes with a built in group of people who have the same interests as you, and who know what you've been through to get into grad school.

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

I am in the same spot as you right now! I will likely be moving to a program that is out-of-state (5 hours away too). I am actually not too scared. Think of it as an adventure! I guess I may not be too hesitant since I went to an out of state school for my undergrad and loved every second of it. As mentioned above, you will be sure to make friends with the people in your grad program. After all, they are likely the people you will be with more time than not on a daily basis! I have also spoken with grad students who say their classmates become their main friends since people in the "normal world" often get sick of all the nerd talk, and your classmates will likely have the same crazy schedule as you. I'm sure many of the people in your grad program will be the same as you in regard to not knowing anyone. If you're young, this is a great time for experiences like this when you are able to do it. Getting out of the bubble of what is considered home is never a mistake!  

[Dammke1118]

Thanks everyone for the advice and kind words! it helps to know that other people are feeling the same way. Way too many people have said it goes by way too fast, so that has to be true right?!