Heading to Nazareth College was such a huge change for me. I had never lived out of state before and I was nervous about what was awaiting me in this new chapter of my life. Coming from Carlisle, PA, I had a bit of a distance to go and not many opportunities to go back (breaks are the only times I can go home). I knew I was going to be different since most people could go home any weekend. I also was the only one from my school who was going to Naz so I was completely starting fresh. Rochester is also more of a city style compared to my hometown so I knew I was in for a big change. Some things I expected but others took me totally by surprise. So here are the top 3 things you need to anticipate before moving in.

Number 1: The People

There are so many people and they are so different. Everyone comes from everywhere. The great part about it is that there are plenty of new people to meet. For me, it’s so fun to share stories from high school with my new college friends. You get to compare your experiences and learn what life is like in other areas. 

Number 2: The Popularities 

Do you have a favorite restaurant at home? A favorite place to hang out with friends? Well that’s all about to change. At your new home, there will be plenty of local favorites to try out. When I moved to Pittsford, I was told I needed to try a garbage plate and visit the Erie Canal. You’ll learn about all the local businesses and find new favorites. Before you know it, you’ll be dragging everyone who comes to visit to all these hot spots. So grab some friends and hit the town.

Number 3: The Initial Shock

Moving into Pittsford, let alone New York, made me feel so out of place. Back in my hometown, I knew how to get anywhere, what events happened when, what restaurants were the best and where the best place to get gas was (it’s Sheetz by the way). But moving into college, I had no idea how to get anywhere. I had to look everything up on Google Maps. My roommate and I had to make a list of restaurants to eat at and what kind of food they had. I always had to google where to get gas too (sadly, Sheetz is not in New York, which I didn’t know before I left home). It helps to do your research before you move in and make some local friends to help push you in the right direction.

So you’ll have a few bumps in the road but what freshman doesn’t? By the spring semester, you’ll be all settled in and these things won’t even phase you. Don’t stress and get ready to meet your new home away from home, because Naz has sure become mine.