It’s been two months and 14 days since I’ve become a college graduate and a working woman. Not too long ago I graduated from CSU, Chico. I worked hard for four years and earned a degree in journalism with an option in public relations. Immediately after graduating I started my career at Comcast. Yes, you heard me, I graduated in four years and got a job out of college. Surprisingly though, this new season of being a full-time working woman and seeing everyone, including some of my friends, head back to campus for the new school year, I’m starting to miss my little college town.
After deciding to be a Wildcat in 2015 I moved three hours away from my hometown. I left my family, my best friends and even at the time a boyfriend. This feeling that I’m currently in, of missing the place I just was, is all too familiar for me. I think back to a day I so vividly remember, moving into the dorms on campus, and wish I would’ve thought about what I was leaving behind in my hometown a little bit more. Instead, I found myself longing for pieces of home throughout my first year of college.
Take it from me, a recent graduate, here are some things I missed the most about home. More importantly, here’s how I think it can be a little easier if you prepare yourself ahead of time.
What I missed: a good home cooked meal when the dining hall just isn’t going to cut it.
Solution: find the nearest grocery store and call your mom or dad on the way there. They’ll be able to provide you the recipe and any tips or tricks it takes to get your favorite meal just right.
What I missed: having all my closest friends in the same town.
Solution: plan a time to talk to friends from back home on the phone! If you’re missing them it’s likely they’re missing you too. Not only should you keep in contact with your friends from home, but making new friends is one of the best parts of college! Join a club, say hi to the person next to you in class or invite someone from your building to join you for dinner at the dining hall.
What I missed: my go-to hangout spot with my friends was always my own backyard, so moving to college and not having a space was difficult.
Solution: ask students who have been on campus longer or who are local to the town about some of the best spots to hang out. For my friends and me it was a local donut shop called Donut Nook! We would stay there for hours eating donuts and playing games; some of my favorite college memories were made there.
What I missed: every morning at home, I woke up to the news on. I missed the news and shows that my parents and I would watch together weekly.
Solution: find some friends to watch your favorite shows with! Whether you want to relax in your dorm room or have a viewing party with your friends, you can stream your favorites live with a free service called Xfinity on Campus to any of your devices. Maybe you have class when your show is on? Xfinity On Campus allows up to 20 hours of recording storage too. Chico State had these services available to me when I lived in the dorms but I didn’t know about the unique services until now. This free service for dorm residents can provide so much comfort when there are times when only Game of Thrones or This Is Us can feel like a warm blanket.
Check below to see if your school has Xfinity On Campus before you move in!
- California State University, Chico
- California State University, Sonoma
- California State University, East Bay
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, Fresno
- Saint Mary’s College of California
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Davis
- University of the Pacific
- Santa Clara University
Go to Xfinity On Campus to activate your services once you’re all moved in and start streaming!
This blog was written by Marisa Bearden. Marisa is a Public Relations Specialist with Comcast and recently graduated from CSU, Chico with a degree in Journalism: Public Relations. Follow her on Twitter @MarisaNBearden.
