Getting Ready for College

Hi there papa bear, it's good to see you again.

My question today is a pretty normal one. I graduated from high school and I've been accepted into this college. I'm a little nervous to go because I'll be away from my mom and on my own for the first time. I kind of think to myself, am I ready for this? I guess my question is this, what is the best way to prepare myself for college and being away from home?

Kageichi

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Dear Kageichi,

Other than the obvious “Are you intellectually prepared for college?” question, there are two aspects of your first time being on your own: practical and emotional. On the practical side, Papabear hopes you can do things to take care of yourself, including having your own bank account and knowing how to manage your finances, doing your own laundry, taking care of a car if you have one, being sure you are disciplined enough to study on your own without your family telling you to do your homework, etc.

While Papabear doesn’t want to be a fuddy duddy, still, you need to be smart: don’t do like many do and treat this as a vacation from responsibility, drinking and partying and playing video games and forgetting that you are there to get an education and a degree.

Then there is the emotional side. You are off on your own without family to be there when you need a hug or comforting word. You will need to build a social circle around you for support in this area. The people who have the best time in college are the ones who develop a new network of friends, many of whom can last you a lifetime.

For many, going to college is a rite of passage into adulthood. If the above works for you, Kageichi, you will do just fine.

Bear Hugs,

Papabear