College can be hard. Especially when first starting out, getting used to the workload and being away from our family and friends it can be an extremely stressful time. You worry about losing touch with the people you’ve known since kindergarten and missing the important moments with your parents and your siblings. It’s a big adjustment, and trying to keep up with your life back home while starting a new life at college calls for time management as well as finding a new normal when it comes to communication.
I’ve found setting a call schedule is extremely helpful when it comes to talking to your parents. I call my parents every Sunday at a time that works for both of us and we stick to that time. This does not have to be strict, but when it becomes part of my weekly routine it ensures that I don’t put it off. Making a weekly call schedule with other people who have busy schedules is effective and keeps one another updated on the small things that might be forgotten about with less frequent calls.
A schedule is great, but it’s also important to truly connect with the person you’re talking to! It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget that they may be stressed too. Make sure you listen to them, and they listen to you — like a normal conversation. This seems so simple, but communicating over the phone can make it harder than you think.
If you’re especially crunched for time, sending a text is always a nice way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. I know that texts like these have brightened my day — it reminds me that I am still connected to the people I love even if we haven’t talked lately. Although not ideal, it is okay to have homework and other events going on; it is part of life, and all you can do is support each other!
On that note, don’t stress too much about staying in touch with your loved ones. If you put pressure on yourself to talk to someone, the odds are that you won’t end up having a good conversation anyway. The truth is you’ll find that it just becomes too difficult to stay connected and communicate with some friends. It’s normal and it’s part of college, so don’t let less connections with people from home negatively affect your life at school!
I want to remind you that it’s okay to talk less frequently to the people you love. In no way does it mean that you are less connected to them. Don’t forget to be present at college, if you sacrifice new experiences for the sake of maintaining your past, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself in the long run.